McLaren must “fundamentally rethink certain areas”

No time to rest on your laurels. On an accounting level, McLaren had a superb season, taking third place in the constructors' championship. But the outbursts were fewer than his opponents in the middle of the grid. She has two podiums, as many as Renault and less than Ferrari or Racing Point, without having won a victory.

“We started strong and surprised some people because we didn't show our pace during winter testing,” analyzes McLaren technical director James Key.

The British team then experienced difficult races, especially against Renault. “We have introduced developments throughout the season, maybe not as quickly as some teams, but we have taken the time to learn about these developments and their impact on the car. Most have improved performance and have remained on the car since their introduction,” continues James Key.

“We were able to identify areas where our competitors are stronger than us and established the weaknesses of our car. I believe there is sufficient room in the regulations to address these weaknesses in 2021.”

Typically, car development is frozen next season. But the introduction of a new regulation to reduce aerodynamic downforce will give work to the teams.

“Rather than taking a design, refining it and exploring concepts and ideas that might be compatible with the new car, we had to fundamentally rethink certain areas to adapt to the regulatory changes of 2021,” explains James Key .

McLaren will have to manage the implementation of its engine Mercedes, which replaces the Renault. “We can’t just carry over the 2020 chassis to the new car. We had to do a lot of redesign, especially regarding cooling and electronics. Not only will the chassis be different, but so will the gearbox and, of course, the engine, so the MCL35M is akin to a new car. »

Finally, the stable will welcome Daniel Ricciardo replacing Carlos Sainz, left for Ferrari, which risks disrupting the alchemy found between the Spaniard and Lando Norris.

“The level of collaboration between the two has been incredibly high,” according to McLaren competition director Andrea Stella. “When there is an open and transparent dialogue between teammates, it elevates their performance because they can cross-check and quickly identify weak points in the car or find the best approach to a corner.

This has been possible thanks, I hope, to the environment we have built within the team which encourages openness and trust. This means that pilots feel comfortable opening their box of secrets, rather than keeping it closed so as not to give their teammate an advantage. This is crucial because extracting maximum performance from a car is subjective, it is based on feeling and confidence behind the wheel.”

Daniel Ricciardo, who reunites with James Key after his years Red Bull, will have to blend into this mold. “But it's not just about preserving these conditions, we may have to adapt them. Daniel is not Carlos and his relationship with Lando will be different,” concludes James Key.

If it wants to give Daniel Ricciardo confidence, McLaren will have to give him the means to shine during its national Grand Prix in Melbourne, for the season opener on March 21.