2023 - McLaren Formula 1 Team

[BMMR61]

Looked like having 2 new Hard is going to be a real tactical advantage vs Max and Ferrari tomorrow

It may revolve around how well the track "rubbers in" and gives greater life to the tyres. At the moment there is consensus that it will be beyond one stop strategy - that is three sets, 2 hards and 1 mediums v 2 mediums and 1 hard set. If there is "better than expected" life then two yellow sets may be advantageous in the last stint. Red Bull always look after their tyres and so I think there won't be any advantage to take out of it, sadly.

Was there overnight rain again last night to make the track green again for the race as was the Saturday situation?

[BMMR61]

The key will be getting a good first lap. If we can get a similar start we had in Silverstone, then we will finish well. I am not expecting Ferrari to be a challenge or Mercedes, especially if we get off the line quickly. if our race pace has improved then this is a possibility. But this looks like a two-stopper and our race day strategy has been suspect, so that could be our undoing.

McLaren have tended to have good traction off the line but I'm not optimistic there would be any great gain to be had mugging Max as he would have plenty of opportunities following Oscar or Lando. One thing from Silverstone was McLaren made the hardest compound work very nicely, even in comparison to Max (remember Max's concerns in the restart after about five laps once Lando got the hards going?)

BTW I disagree that race day strategy has been suspect, there's been a lot of circumstance at work though I do think some split strategy just possibly could have played dividends.

[BMMR61]

The key will be getting a good first lap. If we can get a similar start we had in Silverstone, then we will finish well. I am not expecting Ferrari to be a challenge or Mercedes, especially if we get off the line quickly. if our race pace has improved then this is a possibility. But this looks like a two-stopper and our race day strategy has been suspect, so that could be our undoing.

McLaren have tended to have good traction off the line but I'm not optimistic there would be any great gain to be had mugging Max as he would have plenty of opportunities following Oscar or Lando. One thing from Silverstone was McLaren made the hardest compound work very nicely, even in comparison to Max (remember Max's concerns in the restart after about five laps once Lando got the hards going?) From memory the Japan compounds are the same hardest three as Silverstone.

BTW I disagree that race day strategy has been suspect, there's been a lot of circumstance at work though I do think some split strategy just possibly could have played dividends.

[organic]

Was there overnight rain again last night to make the track green again for the race as was the Saturday situation?

There was no overnight rain this time

[mwillems]

The key will be getting a good first lap. If we can get a similar start we had in Silverstone, then we will finish well. I am not expecting Ferrari to be a challenge or Mercedes, especially if we get off the line quickly. if our race pace has improved then this is a possibility. But this looks like a two-stopper and our race day strategy has been suspect, so that could be our undoing.

The strategy will be massize here. With the tyre dropoff whoever pits at the right time will do very well.

[LionsHeart]

Now this is interesting. We have the highest top speed with DRS closed. This bodes well for the race.

Finally!

[mwillems]

Now this is interesting. We have the highest top speed with DRS closed. This bodes well for the race.

Finally!

Lol It doesn't make the other wing High Df, they are close. Other setup and the fact RB are using a more loaded wing add context.

[LionsHeart]

We need Scenario 7! Let's go, team!

[mclaren111]

Let's Go Lando & Oscar...

[LionsHeart]

Now this is interesting. We have the highest top speed with DRS closed. This bodes well for the race.

Finally!

Lol It doesn't make the other wing High Df, they are close. Other setup and the fact RB are using a more loaded wing add context.

Yes, I can be satisfied. The progress of the team is impressive.

[Dafnalina]

Think the strategy will be to start on softs for a good start and the a two stopper on the new hards

EDIT: nope, they start on mediums

[mwillems]

Perez had a mare. This will help us get 2 podiums.

Max and Oscar were fighting on the dirty line and Lando say, thankyou lol

[FittingMechanics]

Good start - a shame they couldn't take the lead.

Hopefully this means no one will complain that Lando is given the undercut.

EDIT: Goal has to be double podium.

[mwillems]

It was a good start from both drivers.

[mwillems]

We've dropped the Ferrari DRS and now they will fight each other.

Alonso on softs.

The race is opening up for us.