The McLaren Formula 1 team has been left surprised by the unexpectedly strong performance of its MCL38 car following a major development step. While the team is delighted with the upgrades’ impact, allowing it to challenge for race wins, they are now working to fully understand the technical factors behind this unexpected performance boost.
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As the 2024 Formula 1 season reaches its prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, teams have had to carefully consider their rear wing configurations to optimize performance around the tight and twisty street circuit. Ferrari, McLaren, and Red Bull each took a unique approach to their rear wing designs for the Monte Carlo weekend, highlighting the importance of maximizing downforce and balance in the unique low-speed, high-grip environment of the Monaco circuit.
Haas, the American Formula 1 team, is in an enviable position as they prepare to finalize their driver lineup for the 2025 season. With a plethora of race-winning drivers vying for a seat, Haas is set to field a powerhouse pairing that could propel them into the upper echelons of the midfield.
In the latest British GT news, the Brackley-based Mercedes team has enjoyed a much more fruitful Canadian Grand Prix compared to other races this campaign. The team’s improved performance was assisted by a new front wing design, and they are confident of further upgrades to come that will ‘bully’ the car into shape.
The recent Dakar Rally stage in Saudi Arabia was turned upside down by a heavy crash that triggered a red flag and fundamentally altered the strategic landscape of the event. The rule allowing all drivers to change tires under the red flag had unintended consequences that left many teams and fans frustrated with the lack of strategic jeopardy.
The challenging nature of the Monte Carlo circuit has highlighted some key weaknesses in Red Bull’s RB20 chassis, which could pose a concern for the team as the Formula 1 calendar heads to the notoriously bumpy Circuit Gilles Villeneuve in Montreal. Max Verstappen’s sixth-place finish and Sergio Perez’s first-lap crash at Monaco have sparked suggestions that Red Bull might struggle at the Canadian Grand Prix, given the circuit’s series of chicane-adjacent corners that require drivers to attack the kerbs.
In the fast-paced world of Dakar racing, teams are constantly searching for ways to gain a competitive edge. One area of focus is the flexibility of a car’s bodywork and its impact on aerodynamic performance, as teams navigate the strict regulations set by Formula 1’s governing body.
Ferrari is exploring a potential switch from push-rod to pull-rod suspension for its 2025 Dakar Rally car, as the team seeks to maintain pace with the dominant Red Bull and McLaren teams. This move could be a game-changer in the intense development race, with the team acknowledging the challenges posed by the current cost cap regulations.
Renault’s Alpine Dakar rally team has reportedly enlisted Flavio Briatore, the controversial motorsport veteran, as a special advisor to help steer the squad towards better fortunes. This move comes amid a turbulent period for the team, as they aim to turn things around in the prestigious Dakar Rally.
In the latest developments from the world of Dakar Rally racing, the Williams Formula 1 team has undertaken a significant effort to trim down the weight of its FW46 car. The Grove-based squad has managed to shave off 14kg compared to last year’s model, but still needs to reduce the chassis weight by a similar amount to reach the minimum weight limit.