This year’s F1 season has taken a thrilling turn, with McLaren charging forward in the standings alongside Ferrari and Mercedes. The question is, why has McLaren suddenly found such pace, and how have they managed to close the gap with Red Bull? To understand McLaren’s impressive leap, we need to explore their recent development journey, their approach to engineering upgrades, and the drivers pushing the team to new heights.
Investment and New Hires Paying Off
McLaren’s resurgence in 2024 is no accident; it’s the result of years of investment and strategic hiring. Under Zak Brown’s leadership, McLaren has bolstered its technical team with experienced personnel, including Rob Marshall from Red Bull as chief designer. The team also promoted trusted figures like Andrea Stella to team principal, and elevated Peter Prodromou and Neil Houldey to technical directors in aerodynamics and engineering. This cohesive, experienced team has strengthened McLaren’s ability to optimize car performance and react swiftly to on-track demands.
McLaren’s success isn’t just about high-profile hires; the team’s new approach to upgrades has been a game-changer. They introduced significant updates in Miami and Zandvoort, and these changes worked seamlessly from the start. Instead of minor tweaks, McLaren’s upgrades cover multiple areas of the car, from aerodynamics to suspension, all aimed at maximizing downforce in an efficient way.
Drivers Making a Difference
The driver lineup also plays a huge role in McLaren’s newfound success. Oscar Piastri has shown remarkable progress, consistently improving his performance with each race. Lando Norris, meanwhile, is having the best season of his career, securing multiple fastest laps, pole positions, and podiums. This strong pairing has helped McLaren climb the standings, with both drivers pushing each other and the car to its limits.
Key Stats and Impact of Upgrades
Before McLaren’s major updates in Miami, the team averaged 19.2 points per race. Post-upgrade, this figure jumped to an impressive 31.1 points. These updates weren’t one-offs; McLaren followed up with additional upgrades in Zandvoort, further enhancing the car’s competitiveness. This commitment to continuous improvement has not only elevated McLaren’s position in the Constructors’ Championship but also brought them closer to challenging Red Bull.
Challenges Red Bull Is Facing
While McLaren has been gaining momentum, Red Bull has encountered some challenges. Their car is still incredibly fast but has proven difficult to handle, especially under changing conditions. Additionally, FIA’s asymmetric braking ban has raised questions about whether Red Bull’s early advantage was affected by adjustments to their braking system.
Red Bull’s recent struggles also highlight the limitations of their aging wind tunnel, built over 70 years ago. While they plan to launch a new wind tunnel in Milton Keynes by 2026, McLaren is already benefiting from its state-of-the-art wind tunnel at their Technology Centre. This gives McLaren an edge in testing, allowing them to analyze upgrades more effectively and bring better-performing components to the track faster.
Red Bull’s Testing Limitations
Under the ATR (Aerodynamic Testing Regulations), Red Bull’s championship success has led to a reduced number of wind tunnel runs. McLaren, on the other hand, received 15% more runs than Red Bull at the beginning of the year, allowing them to test additional aerodynamic solutions. Even after the mid-year ATR reset, McLaren maintains more wind tunnel time, a crucial advantage as they refine their car in the second half of the season.
McLaren’s Path to the Constructors’ Championship
With only a few races left, McLaren appears well-positioned to compete for the Constructors’ Championship. Their two strong drivers give them a unique advantage, although it could complicate their chances in the Drivers’ Championship, where Max Verstappen currently holds a strong lead. As long as McLaren allows Norris and Piastri to race freely while following “papaya rules”—a team approach focused on clean, non-aggressive racing—they stand a solid chance.
McLaren’s remarkable turnaround in 2024 is a testament to the power of strategic investment, expert hires, and a commitment to constant improvement. The combination of innovative upgrades, top-tier facilities, and a talented driver duo has put them back at the forefront of F1. As the season heads into its final stretch, McLaren’s momentum suggests that their years of groundwork may soon pay off with a title-contending finish.