[ 2020 ] Mclaren F1 Team - Renault

[Ground Effect]

What should we expect in Spa?

[SmallSoldier]

What should we expect in Spa?

If last year is any reference of performance in 2020, it could be a good track for Mclaren (performance in the first 3 races seem to indicate that correlation)... 2019 was a good race for the MCL34 (Lando was 5th before having a mechanical failure with a couple laps to go).

In addition, Lando should be taking a new engine in Spa with the added performance from a fresh PU.

Performance should be good, the harder question to ask is how will it compare versus the teams that we are fighting... Racing Point should be quick at Spa (they have had very strong top speed in the last few races) and probably will still be slightly ahead... Ferrari may struggle a little bit if their PU deficiency still hurts them in power tracks (although, I would expect them to bring a sizable upgrade package to Spa and they perform well with their low DF setup) and Renault should be close like they have been long ago.


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[ThePapayaJaguar]

First of all, screw Racing Point.

Other than that, pretty good result for the team. Lando definitely needs to work on his starts, he usually finds himself stuck behind slower people. Consistent sub 3-second pitstops this race, so big shoutout to the boys! One of the few times that I have seen Carlos put up a really elbows out and staunch defense. Great job from Carlos in keeping the Red Bull behind. Kinda bummed that Lando couldn't get past Gasly, but great job defending from Charles. This car truly performs well once the setup is good.

[adrianjordan]

I apologise but it is so frustrating knowing that something is going on and it's getting covered up. Reminds me of the Ferrari/Schumacher era and the whole controversy behind them. Meanwhile poor Mclaren is getting screwed from 1999. I was in middle school and I am now 36 and still hasn't seen another championship since then if you count out the one from Hamilton.

Sorry to say this, but the way you're posting almost every other post sometimes about RP sounds like you're still in middle school.

It's only a sport, there are more important things in life.

The RP protest will take time and annoying other users on here by whining about it won't change anything.

[M840TR]

What should we expect in Spa?

If last year is any reference of performance in 2020, it could be a good track for Mclaren (performance in the first 3 races seem to indicate that correlation)... 2019 was a good race for the MCL34 (Lando was 5th before having a mechanical failure with a couple laps to go).

In addition, Lando should be taking a new engine in Spa with the added performance from a fresh PU.

Performance should be good, the harder question to ask is how will it compare versus the teams that we are fighting... Racing Point should be quick at Spa (they have had very strong top speed in the last few races) and probably will still be slightly ahead... Ferrari may struggle a little bit if their PU deficiency still hurts them in power tracks (although, I would expect them to bring a sizable upgrade package to Spa and they perform well with their low DF setup) and Renault should be close like they have been long ago.


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I’m not sure I agree with the claim they had good race pace last year. Norris qualified P12 and was in clean air throughout the race by getting ahead at the start. The midfield competitors were stuck behind slower cars like Haas. In the second stint Norris was so far ahead that they didn’t even try to push because it would’ve been pointless.

Maybe with Sainz we could’ve seen a better representation of pace but that’s just dwelling on hypotheticals.

[mwillems]

What should we expect in Spa?

If last year is any reference of performance in 2020, it could be a good track for Mclaren (performance in the first 3 races seem to indicate that correlation)... 2019 was a good race for the MCL34 (Lando was 5th before having a mechanical failure with a couple laps to go).

In addition, Lando should be taking a new engine in Spa with the added performance from a fresh PU.

Performance should be good, the harder question to ask is how will it compare versus the teams that we are fighting... Racing Point should be quick at Spa (they have had very strong top speed in the last few races) and probably will still be slightly ahead... Ferrari may struggle a little bit if their PU deficiency still hurts them in power tracks (although, I would expect them to bring a sizable upgrade package to Spa and they perform well with their low DF setup) and Renault should be close like they have been long ago.


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I’m not sure I agree with the claim they had good race pace last year. Norris qualified P12 and was in clean air throughout the race by getting ahead at the start. The midfield competitors were stuck behind slower cars like Haas. In the second stint Norris was so far ahead that they didn’t even try to push because it would’ve been pointless.

Maybe with Sainz we could’ve seen a better representation of pace but that’s just dwelling on hypotheticals.

I think we will be fighting to be fourth best team again, seems to be about where we are. This time I think we may have the jump on Ferrari with Renault pushing us hard. Ferrari have managed to get the most out of their car so far but I don't think Leclerc will be able to drag it into a top 8 position at Spa, the track will not let you hide any lack of pace in the engine. RP will be ahead of us on pure straight line speed, which the pink Mercedes seems to carry plenty of.

[Emag]

I’m not sure I agree with the claim they had good race pace last year. Norris qualified P12 and was in clean air throughout the race by getting ahead at the start. The midfield competitors were stuck behind slower cars like Haas. In the second stint Norris was so far ahead that they didn’t even try to push because it would’ve been pointless.

Maybe with Sainz we could’ve seen a better representation of pace but that’s just dwelling on hypotheticals.

The race pace wasn't really that bad though even when considering those factors. Norris was nearly 30 seconds up the road from the closest rival (Perez - Albon) before retiring. Some of that distance was due to the reasons you mentioned, but if they were really bad in terms of pace, it wouldn't have been that big.

[M840TR]

I’m not sure I agree with the claim they had good race pace last year. Norris qualified P12 and was in clean air throughout the race by getting ahead at the start. The midfield competitors were stuck behind slower cars like Haas. In the second stint Norris was so far ahead that they didn’t even try to push because it would’ve been pointless.

Maybe with Sainz we could’ve seen a better representation of pace but that’s just dwelling on hypotheticals.

The race pace wasn't really that bad though even when considering those factors. Norris was nearly 30 seconds up the road from the closest rival (Perez - Albon) before retiring. Some of that distance was due to the reasons you mentioned, but if they were really bad in terms of pace, it wouldn't have been that big.

They were stuck behind slower cars for half the race. The Haas of last year just plummeted on Sundays in terms of pace. But their drivers were aggressive on defence. By the time the cars were overtaken everyone had destroyed their tyres and probably maximised engine mileage.

His pace wasn't bad per se but others were clearly quicker and it showed in quali.

[M840TR]

If last year is any reference of performance in 2020, it could be a good track for Mclaren (performance in the first 3 races seem to indicate that correlation)... 2019 was a good race for the MCL34 (Lando was 5th before having a mechanical failure with a couple laps to go).

In addition, Lando should be taking a new engine in Spa with the added performance from a fresh PU.

Performance should be good, the harder question to ask is how will it compare versus the teams that we are fighting... Racing Point should be quick at Spa (they have had very strong top speed in the last few races) and probably will still be slightly ahead... Ferrari may struggle a little bit if their PU deficiency still hurts them in power tracks (although, I would expect them to bring a sizable upgrade package to Spa and they perform well with their low DF setup) and Renault should be close like they have been long ago.


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I’m not sure I agree with the claim they had good race pace last year. Norris qualified P12 and was in clean air throughout the race by getting ahead at the start. The midfield competitors were stuck behind slower cars like Haas. In the second stint Norris was so far ahead that they didn’t even try to push because it would’ve been pointless.

Maybe with Sainz we could’ve seen a better representation of pace but that’s just dwelling on hypotheticals.

I think we will be fighting to be fourth best team again, seems to be about where we are. This time I think we may have the jump on Ferrari with Renault pushing us hard. Ferrari have managed to get the most out of their car so far but I don't think Leclerc will be able to drag it into a top 8 position at Spa, the track will not let you hide any lack of pace in the engine. RP will be ahead of us on pure straight line speed, which the pink Mercedes seems to carry plenty of.

I don't see why 3rd would be out of reach. They're the most consistent team in the midfield. Their pace will only get better with upgrades. Ferrari has engine, driver and race direction issues; Renault has an inconsistent car; RP will not receive many upgrades, if at all.

It's a long season. Last year, Renault seemed unbeatable around Canada. But towards the end Carlos alone had more points than the 5th team in WCC.

As for Ferrari's Spa prospects, they have a really good low df package. Their chassis is better than the midfield rivals and it shows in the race, especially as it pertains to tyre management. It covers for the engine deficit in race.

[mwillems]

I’m not sure I agree with the claim they had good race pace last year. Norris qualified P12 and was in clean air throughout the race by getting ahead at the start. The midfield competitors were stuck behind slower cars like Haas. In the second stint Norris was so far ahead that they didn’t even try to push because it would’ve been pointless.

Maybe with Sainz we could’ve seen a better representation of pace but that’s just dwelling on hypotheticals.

I think we will be fighting to be fourth best team again, seems to be about where we are. This time I think we may have the jump on Ferrari with Renault pushing us hard. Ferrari have managed to get the most out of their car so far but I don't think Leclerc will be able to drag it into a top 8 position at Spa, the track will not let you hide any lack of pace in the engine. RP will be ahead of us on pure straight line speed, which the pink Mercedes seems to carry plenty of.

I don't see why 3rd would be out of reach. They're the most consistent team in the midfield. Their pace will only get better with upgrades. Ferrari has engine, driver and race direction issues; Renault has an inconsistent car; RP will not receive many upgrades, if at all.

It's a long season. Last year, Renault seemed unbeatable around Canada. But towards the end Carlos alone had more points than the 5th team in WCC.

As for Ferrari's Spa prospects, they have a really good low df package. Their chassis is better than the midfield rivals and it shows in the race, especially as it pertains to tyre management. It covers for the engine deficit in race.

I'm thinking of Spa and of our pace at the moment not the championship. It's possible that we might challenge for third but PhilipM is reporting that the build department is months behind the design department and not to expect any large upgrades any time soon, so I'm just not sure how that will progress, so I think it will be a tough fight for fourth and third would be amazing.

I hope you're right about third, but I don't feel any optimisim towards it right now. Ferrari have a decent package but I just don't know that it will be enough to mask the engine issues in Spa, but maybe my optimism there is misplaced! Lando will have a brand new engine so that will be worth a little more peak power and efficiency.

It will be interesting to see how the new engine mode regs affect Racing point in the race. Their Qualy is better than race in general so that may swing things a little in our favour.

[haza]

[M840TR]

I think we will be fighting to be fourth best team again, seems to be about where we are. This time I think we may have the jump on Ferrari with Renault pushing us hard. Ferrari have managed to get the most out of their car so far but I don't think Leclerc will be able to drag it into a top 8 position at Spa, the track will not let you hide any lack of pace in the engine. RP will be ahead of us on pure straight line speed, which the pink Mercedes seems to carry plenty of.

I don't see why 3rd would be out of reach. They're the most consistent team in the midfield. Their pace will only get better with upgrades. Ferrari has engine, driver and race direction issues; Renault has an inconsistent car; RP will not receive many upgrades, if at all.

It's a long season. Last year, Renault seemed unbeatable around Canada. But towards the end Carlos alone had more points than the 5th team in WCC.

As for Ferrari's Spa prospects, they have a really good low df package. Their chassis is better than the midfield rivals and it shows in the race, especially as it pertains to tyre management. It covers for the engine deficit in race.

I'm thinking of Spa and of our pace at the moment not the championship. It's possible that we might challenge for third but PhilipM is reporting that the build department is months behind the design department and not to expect any large upgrades any time soon, so I'm just not sure how that will progress, so I think it will be a tough fight for fourth and third would be amazing.

I hope you're right about third, but I don't feel any optimisim towards it right now. Ferrari have a decent package but I just don't know that it will be enough to mask the engine issues in Spa, but maybe my optimism there is misplaced! Lando will have a brand new engine so that will be worth a little more peak power and efficiency.

It will be interesting to see how the new engine mode regs affect Racing point in the race. Their Qualy is better than race in general so that may swing things a little in our favour.

Everyone's in the same boat due to Covid. However Ferrari seems to have correlation problems on top of that as well.

I expect RP to be a lot closer in quali. The Merc PU gives them a good 3-4 tenths on Saturdays compared to Renault & Honda. The Mcl35 enjoys medium speed corners so if the car performs well enough in qualifying to be ahead of the RPs then it'd be a good weekend.

[mwillems]

I don't see why 3rd would be out of reach. They're the most consistent team in the midfield. Their pace will only get better with upgrades. Ferrari has engine, driver and race direction issues; Renault has an inconsistent car; RP will not receive many upgrades, if at all.

It's a long season. Last year, Renault seemed unbeatable around Canada. But towards the end Carlos alone had more points than the 5th team in WCC.

As for Ferrari's Spa prospects, they have a really good low df package. Their chassis is better than the midfield rivals and it shows in the race, especially as it pertains to tyre management. It covers for the engine deficit in race.

I'm thinking of Spa and of our pace at the moment not the championship. It's possible that we might challenge for third but PhilipM is reporting that the build department is months behind the design department and not to expect any large upgrades any time soon, so I'm just not sure how that will progress, so I think it will be a tough fight for fourth and third would be amazing.

I hope you're right about third, but I don't feel any optimisim towards it right now. Ferrari have a decent package but I just don't know that it will be enough to mask the engine issues in Spa, but maybe my optimism there is misplaced! Lando will have a brand new engine so that will be worth a little more peak power and efficiency.

It will be interesting to see how the new engine mode regs affect Racing point in the race. Their Qualy is better than race in general so that may swing things a little in our favour.

Everyone's in the same boat due to Covid. However Ferrari seems to have correlation problems on top of that as well.

I expect RP to be a lot closer in quali. The Merc PU gives them a good 3-4 tenths on Saturdays compared to Renault & Honda. The Mcl35 enjoys medium speed corners so if the car performs well enough in qualifying to be ahead of the RPs then it'd be a good weekend.

In terms of getting third they have to get past RP. RP may not have been bringing many updates to the car, but any benefit of Mclaren pushing past them with updates this season is now less likely due to COVID and the backlog of design work - so I don't think it is a case of everyone is in the same boat, they have a faster and more well balanced car from the outset and it looks like it will stay that way for longer now. I also think that the advantage of being able to upgrade past RP this season may now not exist, or at least be severely minimised so third feels like a tough ask.

But I agree that I feel like this could be a good track based on the characteristics of the car we have seen so far. I hope we can exploit it.

[diffuser]

I don't see why 3rd would be out of reach. They're the most consistent team in the midfield. Their pace will only get better with upgrades. Ferrari has engine, driver and race direction issues; Renault has an inconsistent car; RP will not receive many upgrades, if at all.

It's a long season. Last year, Renault seemed unbeatable around Canada. But towards the end Carlos alone had more points than the 5th team in WCC.

As for Ferrari's Spa prospects, they have a really good low df package. Their chassis is better than the midfield rivals and it shows in the race, especially as it pertains to tyre management. It covers for the engine deficit in race.

I'm thinking of Spa and of our pace at the moment not the championship. It's possible that we might challenge for third but PhilipM is reporting that the build department is months behind the design department and not to expect any large upgrades any time soon, so I'm just not sure how that will progress, so I think it will be a tough fight for fourth and third would be amazing.

I hope you're right about third, but I don't feel any optimisim towards it right now. Ferrari have a decent package but I just don't know that it will be enough to mask the engine issues in Spa, but maybe my optimism there is misplaced! Lando will have a brand new engine so that will be worth a little more peak power and efficiency.

It will be interesting to see how the new engine mode regs affect Racing point in the race. Their Qualy is better than race in general so that may swing things a little in our favour.

Everyone's in the same boat due to Covid. However Ferrari seems to have correlation problems on top of that as well.

I expect RP to be a lot closer in quali. The Merc PU gives them a good 3-4 tenths on Saturdays compared to Renault & Honda. The Mcl35 enjoys medium speed corners so if the car performs well enough in qualifying to be ahead of the RPs then it'd be a good weekend.

3-4 tenth is alot. I find it hard to beleive, even on a track as long as SPA. I think 1, 2 at the MOST. Alot of tracks it's zero.

[SmallSoldier]

What should we expect in Spa?

If last year is any reference of performance in 2020, it could be a good track for Mclaren (performance in the first 3 races seem to indicate that correlation)... 2019 was a good race for the MCL34 (Lando was 5th before having a mechanical failure with a couple laps to go).

In addition, Lando should be taking a new engine in Spa with the added performance from a fresh PU.

Performance should be good, the harder question to ask is how will it compare versus the teams that we are fighting... Racing Point should be quick at Spa (they have had very strong top speed in the last few races) and probably will still be slightly ahead... Ferrari may struggle a little bit if their PU deficiency still hurts them in power tracks (although, I would expect them to bring a sizable upgrade package to Spa and they perform well with their low DF setup) and Renault should be close like they have been long ago.


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I’m not sure I agree with the claim they had good race pace last year. Norris qualified P12 and was in clean air throughout the race by getting ahead at the start. The midfield competitors were stuck behind slower cars like Haas. In the second stint Norris was so far ahead that they didn’t even try to push because it would’ve been pointless.

Maybe with Sainz we could’ve seen a better representation of pace but that’s just dwelling on hypotheticals.

I thought race pace was good on Sunday for Mclaren, yes we benefited from the scrap in the first turn and the retirements that came from it... But, we missed Q3 by a tenth, which isn’t much in such a long track, we were outqualified by both Haas and one Alfa Romeo which wasn’t surprising considering how strong the Ferrari engine was in 2019.

Carlos was also out of qualifying due to the red flag at the end of Q3.

But I see what you mean, it wasn’t a race where Mclaren was clearly ahead of the midfield, specially in Qualy... But, I remember watching the lap times during the race and it wasn’t that bad for the MCL34.


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