Mclaren MCL40

A place to discuss the characteristics of the cars in Formula One, both current as well as historical. Laptimes, driver worshipping and team chatter do not belong here.
McLarenMor
McLarenMor
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Joined: 24 Jan 2011, 21:59

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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FittingMechanics wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 09:01
Could someone point out in the diffusor picture, where is the "mousehole" on the Red Bull and Mercedes when looking from behind?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HA4P1H1bQAA ... ame=medium
Image

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SilviuAgo
104
Joined: 15 Aug 2020, 16:08

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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McLarenMor wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 11:24
FittingMechanics wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 09:01
Could someone point out in the diffusor picture, where is the "mousehole" on the Red Bull and Mercedes when looking from behind?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HA4P1H1bQAA ... ame=medium
https://i.postimg.cc/XYhNPNx2/Screensho ... 111947.png
Also from this pic is easier to see the "mousehole"

Image

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SilviuAgo
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Joined: 15 Aug 2020, 16:08

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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Image

and a nice slow mo on active aero:


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AR3-GP
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Joined: 06 Jul 2021, 01:22

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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Farnborough wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 09:09
AR3-GP wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 01:43
Mclaren moves the entire flap including the center section when they activate the active aero.
https://i.postimg.cc/zf9C0bt3/image.png
The repair patch looks like they've experienced too much movement or signifying a minor level of integrity failure local to that wing mount pylon.
The connection between the nose and the pylon is taking up quite a bit of bending/reaction forces due to the active aero mechanics. It's possible that they began to see stress cracks and had to reinforce.
Beware of T-Rex

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Zynerji
112
Joined: 27 Jan 2016, 16:14

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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Andi76 wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 03:23
Zynerji wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 02:05
SilviuAgo wrote:
11 Feb 2026, 16:37
Diffuser comparison:

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HA4P1H1bQAA ... ame=medium
Source: Fulvio Vigilante
Imagine the money spent to independently develop these diffusors, just for them to look so identical... 🤣🤣🤡

They really look Identical for you?
You missed the sarcasm, sir😉

michl420
michl420
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Joined: 18 Apr 2010, 17:08
Location: Austria

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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With the SLM mechanism inboard it will be difficult to pass the front wing deflection test for the flap as it has no support on the outside now!?

the EDGE
the EDGE
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Joined: 13 Feb 2012, 18:31
Location: Bedfordshire ENGLAND

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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michl420 wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 18:29
With the SLM mechanism inboard it will be difficult to pass the front wing deflection test for the flap as it has no support on the outside now!?
Teams aren’t going to want flexible wings anymore

michl420
michl420
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Location: Austria

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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the EDGE wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 19:25
michl420 wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 18:29
With the SLM mechanism inboard it will be difficult to pass the front wing deflection test for the flap as it has no support on the outside now!?
Teams aren’t going to want flexible wings anymore
What I meant is, can they get the outer end of the flap so stiff to pass the test because it has no support at all there.

michl420
michl420
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Joined: 18 Apr 2010, 17:08
Location: Austria

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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On the onbard I see that mclaren have a scala on the dash that shows what the MGUk is doing at the moment.

the EDGE
the EDGE
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Joined: 13 Feb 2012, 18:31
Location: Bedfordshire ENGLAND

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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michl420 wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 19:37
the EDGE wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 19:25
michl420 wrote:
12 Feb 2026, 18:29
With the SLM mechanism inboard it will be difficult to pass the front wing deflection test for the flap as it has no support on the outside now!?
Teams aren’t going to want flexible wings anymore
What I meant is, can they get the outer end of the flap so stiff to pass the test because it has no support at all there.
The loads from last year‘s test were a mere fraction of the loads that were put through the wing at 200 mph

I’m not even sure if there will be tests this year, as teams will not be pushing the boundaries of flexibility in wings, but if rhere are, they will probably be significantly less than last year

If a wing can stand up to running on the track, it can stand up to the test

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Gridlock
42
Joined: 27 Jan 2012, 04:14

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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I noticed on the Alpine today they are actually running flex sensors (those white bullseyes) on the floor in front of the rear wheel rather than the wings, but I guess that's the team rather than the FIA.
#58

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_cerber1
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Joined: 18 Jan 2019, 21:50
Location: From Russia with love

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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Image

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_cerber1
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Joined: 18 Jan 2019, 21:50
Location: From Russia with love

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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Image

johnnycesup
johnnycesup
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Joined: 13 Sep 2024, 11:31

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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That picture is very startling, look at the amount of floor surface visible!

michl420
michl420
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Joined: 18 Apr 2010, 17:08
Location: Austria

Re: Mclaren MCL40

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They cover the holes for the supension with a flexible material, which I can`t remember seeing before there by any team.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HA3ngbQXIAA ... ame=medium