McLaren Confident in Formula 1 Car, but Aware of Need for Further Upgrades to Compete with Red Bull
As the 2023 Formula 1 season enters its critical phase, McLaren is well aware that it requires additional upgrades to its MCL38 car to stay ahead of Red Bull at select tracks on the Formula 1 schedule. Despite Lando Norris’s impressive advantage over Max Verstappen at the Dutch Grand Prix, the team recognizes that it cannot rest on its laurels, especially with the Formula 1 standings still closely contested.
While McLaren anticipates performing strongly at certain tracks, such as Baku and Singapore, which are expected to be challenging for Red Bull, the team believes that its rival may hold the edge at more aero-demanding venues like Austin and Qatar. According to Team Principal Andrea Stella, “If we go to tracks like Zandvoort, then we can be confident that we will perform strongly, with high-downforce long corners. However, if we go to tracks where you have very high-speed corners, like in Silverstone, then we know Red Bull are very strong in this kind of layout.”
Stella emphasized that McLaren must capitalize on the weekends where it holds an advantage and continue to bring developments to its car to close the gap in areas where Red Bull is stronger. “We think that the car in its current configuration is possibly not enough in terms of the performance required to be the best car at every single event,” he explained. “That’s why we plan to deliver more upgrades before the end of the season.”
With the Formula 1 calendar still featuring several rounds, McLaren is focused on extracting the most from its car and staying competitive in the title fight. By bringing further upgrades to the MCL38, the team aims to remain a strong contender for the championship.
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