McLaren Reveals Concerns Prompting Complete Car Overhaul
McLaren has recently shared insights into the challenges encountered during testing at the Barcelona circuit. On Thursday, Oscar Piastri took the wheel of the MCL40 for the first time, after reigning champion Lando Norris debuted the car on Wednesday.
Concerns Prompt Complete Car Overhaul
Piastri managed to complete 48 laps during the morning session; however, he did not run in the afternoon due to a fuel system malfunction. Mark Temple, McLaren’s technical director for performance, addressed the issue, noting the complexity of the vehicle.
Key Issues Highlighted
- Motor vehicle issues related to the fuel system
- Limited testing due to car complications
- Focus on understanding the baseline performance
Temple stated, “We’ve got a good understanding of where the car is from a baseline point of view, but obviously we’ve had some issues.” He emphasized that the team was unable to conduct all the desired running due to the discovered fuel system problem.
In light of these problems, McLaren decided to bring the MCL40 back into the garage for a thorough examination. Temple explained that the complexity of the car necessitated a complete breakdown to pinpoint the issue accurately.
Treating Testing as a Shakedown
Throughout this week of testing, McLaren has approached it as a genuine shakedown rather than a performance evaluation. According to Temple, understanding the new car’s operation is vital for the drivers as they adapt to fresh regulations for the upcoming season.
- Drivers need to grasp how the new power unit interacts.
- Energy management and chassis behavior are crucial aspects.
Piastri is gaining valuable experience, allowing him to better understand the mechanics involved. Temple noted that it’s more about grasping the fundamentals and recognizing the significant differences between the regulations from 2025 to 2026.
As the testing continues, McLaren aims to resolve these concerns and ensure a competitive performance in the upcoming season.
