McLaren unveils its MCL35M

The month of February is always eagerly awaited by fans of Formula 1 with the launch of the wave of presentation of the new collection single-seaters, and McLaren took pole position this year, with its new MCL35M.

The main new feature of the car is the Power Unit. Mercedes, replacing the Renault seen since 2018 in Woking creations.

The arrival of the star firm's engine mechanically leads to general developments in terms of chassis and aerodynamics, just as modifications to the technical regulations have forced McLaren to rework the rear area of ​​the floor pan, a solution desired by the governing bodies to limit the supports and preserve the tires. We also note a new front muzzle and a modified air intake.

“Despite relatively stable technical regulations compared to 2020, there are several important aerodynamic changes in the rules that are important to understand, notes technical director James Key.

Every change presents an opportunity, and the team at Woking have worked incredibly hard in difficult conditions to maximize these opportunities. One of the key elements of the MCL35M's design is the integration of the Mercedes-AMG powertrain, which has required considerable effort from the team at Woking, as well as our colleagues at Mercedes.

Despite our limited latitude for this integration into a homologated car, the team did a fantastic job optimizing our design work. »

On the livery side, however, the changes are less, with the papaya orange color still highlighted and highlighted with blue, for the car that will pilot Lando Norris et Daniel Ricciardo this year, the Australian arriving from Renault.

“We are all extremely happy with how Lando has progressed from test and development driver in 2017 to being the youngest driver on the podium in Britain in 2020, mentions Team Principal Andreas Seidl.

His passion and experience for the sport grow together, and he is now one of the fastest and most exciting drivers on the grid. Daniel represents a new milestone for our team and his decision to join McLaren is a validation of the progress we are making.

Daniel brings his energy and experience to drive McLaren forward in our mission to return to the top of the grid. Together, Lando and Daniel form one of the most competitive driving pairs in the sport.

With them behind the wheel of the MCL35M, we know we will have a team that is fully committed to the pursuit of performance on the track. »

A track that the British-Australian duo will return to tomorrow at Silverstone for a day of driving which will also serve as the first outing on the circuit for the MCL35M, before the pre-season tests in Bahrain, which will begin on March 12 in Sakhir.

Discover more information on the presentation of the MCL35M, in issue 2299 of AUTOhebdo, available this evening in digital version and this Wednesday on newsstands.