McLaren boss Andrea Stella anticipates a noticeable improvement in performance with the upcoming upgrades for the MCL38, although he cautions against expecting a dramatic transformation similar to last year's significant boost experienced at Austria. The team's 2023 season began challengingly but saw a remarkable turnaround post the introduction of new parts in Austria, elevating McLaren to a competitive position alongside Red Bull. This year, McLaren has started strong, currently ranking third behind Red Bull and Ferrari, with Lando Norris achieving podium finishes. The next race in Miami presents an opportunity for McLaren to introduce new upgrades aimed at enhancing tire degradation performance.

By the Numbers
  • McLaren aiming for noticeable performance improvement with upcoming upgrades for the MCL38.
  • Stella emphasizes the upgrades will not have the same dramatic impact as last year's changes at Austria.
Yes, But

Despite expectations of a decent improvement, Stella notes that the correlation between wind tunnel data and on-track performance always carries potential surprises.

State of Play
  • McLaren currently ranks third in the F1 standings, showcasing improved performance from last year's struggles.
  • The team is gearing up for the Miami Grand Prix with optimism about the impact of the upcoming upgrades on their competitiveness.
What's Next

Stella anticipates the upcoming race in Miami to be crucial for testing the new upgrades, especially in managing tire performance under potentially high temperatures.

Bottom Line

McLaren's strategic approach to continuous development and upgrades aims to enhance their competitiveness in the ongoing F1 season, with a focus on tire performance improvements and sustainable progress to challenge key competitors.