McLaren MCL34

[PhillipM]

The boomerang is reshaped beyond what is needed to match the floor mods.

[Peter1919]

Motorsport.com

https://cdn-1.motorsport.com/images/mgl ... oard-1.jpg

The detail in the bargeboard area now is immense, just think back to early 2017 when the McLaren was so basic in this area

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/photos/mc ... /12821470/

[SmallSoldier]

That was something that I always wondered... How simplistic compared to the rest of the teams that area was.

One thing that I still don’t fully understand is why Mclaren seems to not want to use an “S-Duct”... Seems to be a solution all other teams find that adds performance and was interesting that neither last year’s car nor the MCL34 use one.


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[diffuser]

That was something that I always wondered... How simplistic compared to the rest of the teams that area was.

One thing that I still don’t fully understand is why Mclaren seems to not want to use an “S-Duct”... Seems to be a solution all other teams find that adds performance and was interesting that neither last year’s car nor the MCL34 use one.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Me too on S-duct ...think it disappeared from 2017 to 2018? Maybe in anticipation for the new nose?

[M840TR]

That was something that I always wondered... How simplistic compared to the rest of the teams that area was.

One thing that I still don’t fully understand is why Mclaren seems to not want to use an “S-Duct”... Seems to be a solution all other teams find that adds performance and was interesting that neither last year’s car nor the MCL34 use one.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

That was removed to use the central duct for powering the cape instead.

[mclaren111]

High rake in testing...

[mclaren111]

Motorsport.com

https://cdn-1.motorsport.com/images/mgl ... oard-1.jpg

McLaren introduced a new bargeboard arrangement in Bahrain and seemingly unlocked some of the untapped potential of the MCL34. The new design’s forward footplate shape was revised quite significantly (red arrow and dotted line), while a series of variously sized vertical fins (white arrow) that we’ve seen others use for some time now were added. These make up a sort of pre-bargeboard arrangement and help to guide the airflow in that region. Behind the bargeboard the splitter (blue arrow) has also been extended in order that it interacts more effectively with the floor behind.

Edit: No reference to change of the top section...

The top section / boomerang had to be cut to match the cut on the floor

Agree... But no mention of it in this analysis...

[Ground Effect]

https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/u ... 567688.jpg


High rake in testing...

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[mclaren111]

https://www.f1-fansite.com/wp-content/u ... 567688.jpg


High rake in testing...

Image doesn't seem to be loading

[Espen84]

https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/22257

What does this mean? Does he mean the McLaren could be stronger at the front than the rear, or the other way around? Or is it something else?

[M840TR]

https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/22257

What does this mean? Does he mean the McLaren could be stronger at the front than the rear, or the other way around? Or is it something else?

The opposite. It struggles with understeer which wasn't exposed as much in Bahrain since it's rear limited, as in corners require a planted rear-end. The next two tracks' long straights should suit the car though since that's where they make up most of the lap-time; and maybe they'll find a way around - like working the front tyres better - to mitigate the issue like Ferrari.

[Ground Effect]

https://www.motorsportweek.com/news/id/22257

What does this mean? Does he mean the McLaren could be stronger at the front than the rear, or the other way around? Or is it something else?

The opposite. It struggles with understeer which wasn't exposed as much in Bahrain since it's rear limited, as in corners require a planted rear-end. The next two tracks' long straights should suit the car though since that's where they make up most of the lap-time; and maybe they'll find a way around - like working the front tyres better - to mitigate the issue like Ferrari.

So what are the solutions to an understeery car?

[101FlyingDutchman]

More front end downforce

[Ground Effect]

More front end downforce

So, basically, it's a bigger challenge to add front end downforce due to the new front wings?

[the EDGE]

More front end downforce

So, basically, it's a bigger challenge to add front end downforce due to the new front wings?

It’s not just about more front end down force

For a start, that would only really work in medium to high speed corners, at low speed aero works less efficiently and understeer is cured by more by mechanical grip

Second, car set-up is all about balance. You also have to think about how downforce changes from low to high speeds, what increases downforce at low speeds to reduce understeer could induce oversteer at higher speeds on the same track. You also have to increase front end downforce without it upsetting the flow of air around the car and stealing rear downforce

Finally, downforce has to be a net gain when taking the drag they create into account, so solutions need to efficient as well as effective