McLaren team principal Andrea Stella stated during the Austrian GP weekend that the overall gap between the MCL40 and championship leader Mercedes W17 is around three to four seconds per lap. According to Stella, 70% of this gap occurs in corners and 30% on the straights.
The disappearance in the plains will be investigated.
Stella clearly identified the reason for the disadvantage in corners: the Mercedes W17 currently generates significantly more aerodynamic load compared to the MCL40, and this difference is an area consciously worked on by the team. However, the delays on the straights are less understandable. Stella emphasized that when analyzed via GPS data, it is evident that "at least one, most likely one and a half seconds" are lost on the straights. Since both teams use the same internal combustion engine from Mercedes' High Performance Powertrains (HPP) division, this loss cannot be directly explained by engine differences.
Stella pointed to two possible reasons: the extra aerodynamic drag carried by the MCL40 and the fact that the two teams operate their power units differently. He also acknowledged that the team had difficulty distinguishing between these two variables. ’When you try to reverse engineer your competitors, you can’t effectively separate the difference caused by drag from the difference caused by the power unit,“ he said.
HPP collaboration and electric power distribution
Stella stated that the collaboration with HPP, which has been ongoing since the start of the season, is beginning to bear fruit. She specifically mentioned that McLaren has acquired better cars in terms of electric power deployment, and that HPP has directly supported the development of these cars. However, Stella emphasized the need to consider internal combustion engine performance as well; but avoided making a definitive assessment of power differences assuming both teams use the same power unit.
“It’s fair to acknowledge that the Mercedes has less drag than the MCL40; we’re using different gear ratios, and that can be effective,’ said Stella, summarizing their focus: ”The only thing we have control over is minimizing all sources of drag on the MCL40, and we continue to do this in close collaboration with HPP.“
Projects to improve cornering are underway.
Stella also noted that McLaren is continuing its parts development process to address the 70% disadvantage in corners, and that there are projects awaiting implementation on the track. She implied that if progress is made in both areas, the overall gap of three to four seconds with the W17 could be closed. To clearly determine the extent of the loss on the straights, the plan is to first reduce the drag values of the MCL40 and then re-measure the remaining gap.