the EDGE wrote: ↑12 Feb 2024, 23:10
Zynerji wrote: ↑12 Feb 2024, 23:07
djos wrote: ↑12 Feb 2024, 22:47
The mechanical package under Key was never the issue. The issue was him ignoring PP and forcing his own flawed aero concepts onto the car. Lando complained year after year that the car behaved differently from corner to corner, lap to lap and was ignored.
TBH, I think it took Daniel being unable to live with with the car to highlight how serious the issues were and force Zak to restructure the team without Key.
Makes u wonder how Daniel might have lived in that 2023 McL.
I think maybe the days of engineers being sole technical directors are over. Aero is now Key (pun intended) and therefore Aerodynamicists need to ultimately take the lead, hence McLaren now having 2 aero TD's. Key was a casualty of this decision
You still need someone to be in overall charge of the engineering processes, to ensure each department is hitting targets and a healthy discussion can be had about the development direction and ideas to resolve problems.
Two key things for a successful F1 car are
1. Aero platform and packaging.
2. Mechanical platform.
Get either wrong and you'll be in for a world of hurt. Zak Brown has made some critical decisions about the structure of the team and hiring people like Rob Marshall. Marshall and the others who've joined will have an impact on the in season development of the 2024 car, with an eye on the 2025 car. They won't be sitting around twiddling their thumbs until McLaren switches development over to the 2025 car.
