New Mclaren just too complicated to succeed ?

[John S]

No time to spare testing flappy wings in Jerez says maybe yes.          
We know they chose to delay first outing, but daylights burning as they say, so just how behind could their programme be? Or indeed how complex are any issues they need to solve if nothing on their car is conventional?

Less than a month before the 2011 season begins, one major unknown is the likely performance of the new McLaren car. Specialist reports in Italy (Autosprint) and Germany (Auto Motor und Sport) say the British team's MP4-26 will be the most radical car on the Bahrain grid.

But according to Autosprint, the recent Jerez test "did not show how competitive" the silver car will be.

McLaren's former long-time team coordinator Jo Ramirez was in the pits in Spain and he reported that technicians were so busy with the car that there was no time to experiment with the adjustable rear wing.

Instead, the team's focus was on testing different fundamental configurations, including the layout of the exhausts, the diffuser and the engine cover. "The risk is that they have bitten off more than they can chew," said the report.

Germany's Auto Motor und Sport agreed: "Almost nothing on this McLaren is conventional.

"The first test (at Jerez) produced more questions than answers. McLaren have showed courage, but perhaps too much," added the report.

OneStopStrategy.com, Today.

[Monty]

I doubt any of the other teams will be under-estimating what Maclaren are capable of. The car may not be quick out of the box but I'm sure it will on the pace really quickly.

[Jericoke]

Aren't the McLaren cars designed by two different teams on alternate years?

Wasn't the 2009 car also slow out of the gate before finally showing some fight in the second half of the season?

I don't really mind teams taking on too big a challenge, rather that just keeping it safe year in and year out.  Even if it means ocassional spectacular public failures (as long as no one is injured, of course).

[David]

I wouldn't put money on McLaren failing to produce a quick car. Anyhow if they come anywhere near it their two 1st class drivers will make up the rest.

We need them to be able to fight with the Red Bulls of this world so Ferrari can win #17. 

[Williamsfan]

Well, it is a worry that McLaren haven't had time to test everything but their car does seem incredibly advanced in design, less an evolution and more a revolution.  The team have been known to make a mare so you cannot totally rule out that possibility! 

[John S]

Aren't the McLaren cars designed by two different teams on alternate years?

Wasn't the 2009 car also slow out of the gate before finally showing some fight in the second half of the season?

I know it was Pat Fry, who has moved to Ferrari for this season, responsible for team that created the 09 car that only just beat Ferrari to a very off the pace 3rd place in the constructors title. Then Tim Goss headed the other team behind the more successful 2010 car as part of the Matrix alternate system at McLaren.

However I'm not sure that there is either the inclination or manpower, since Fry left and the resource restrictions came in, to run two design teams. I think following a re-organisation at McLaren, late last year, they now have one team under Paddy Lowe [technical director] with Tim Goss [engineering director] and Neil Oatley [director of design and development programmes] responsible for all F1 cars.

I agree with you Jeri that pushing the technology and taking design risks is what F1 is all about, it's better to go for innovation and fail than just play safe. On reflection the 09 car was probably along the too safe route, what with the big change to regs for that year.



 

 

[Andy B]

I still think they are sandbagging!!
I hope they are sandbagging.

[Philbe]

I totally agree with the thought that F1 is the leader in automotive design and performance...however I think the days of seeing 6 wheel cars and some of the other 'out there' thinking surrounding F1 design is long past. The main motivation for the teams these days is to win...  cash..and I don't think teams would be willing to lose sponsors and all the dough for the sake of being innovative.

Phil

[Jericoke]

I totally agree with the thought that F1 is the leader in automotive design and performance...however I think the days of seeing 6 wheel cars and some of the other 'out there' thinking surrounding F1 design is long past. The main motivation for the teams these days is to win...  cash..and I don't think teams would be willing to lose sponsors and all the dough for the sake of being innovative.

Phil

McLaren (and Ferrari) aren't going to lose sponsors over one bad season.  Obviously winning the championship helps, but I don't think that there's much difference between 2nd and 5th for their bottom lines. 

The concern would come from an extended run of 5th place seasons.

Since McLaren can afford to develop a 'dog' of a car into a 5th place finish, there's no real reason not to take big risks to get to the championship.