Darth-Piekus wrote: ↑16 Sep 2023, 17:29
Lets assume by the end of the year that the rule change shafted Red Bull hard and Mclaren literally nullified the difference from the top would you go for.
A) A car evolution that will continue the current car but not sure how much more potential you can unlock.
B) A completely new car with new philosophy that might exploit some loophole and make you do a Red Bull but also a possibility you screw up the design.
I can answer this question very briefly, or I can write an entire dissertation. Which option would be better? I never want to hurt anyone here, offend anyone, etc., but from my point of view I can judge the following: the basic version of the chassis was extremely far from ideal. The direction in working with the car to eliminate weak points began in the winter; at the presentation, I remember very well Stella’s words that the car at the presentation was far from ideal and that they knew the weak points and that they knew how to eliminate the weak points in the aero package.
We saw the first work on the bottom in Baku, there were other minor updates earlier, but it doesn’t matter. The starting point will still be the weekend in Baku. Then the team presented the first sketches of a new direction of work, studied it well on the track and, based on this, developed a large package that was presented in Austria. And so he showed the capabilities of the machine. Next, consolidate the results of the work by bringing the second part of the update package.
I have repeatedly read Lando's words that the whole package has helped eliminate the downforce deficit, but the balance and handling remain essentially the same. The update package for Singapore should fix the problem in slow corners, I don't yet know how much the chassis balance has changed. If the updates here are only intended to add downforce, then by next year they will have to work significantly to improve handling, since this also affects tire wear and the driving approach that is comfortable for the driver.
The 2024 chassis needs to be designed to accommodate some modifications based on Rob Marshall's experience, as he needs to be very knowledgeable about suspension. Perhaps in 2024 more than half of the peloton will be very similar to the RB19. To what extent should McLaren redesign the car? I don't know. But I understand that the current direction of work is bearing fruit, and perhaps the resource and potential have not yet been exhausted.