Mclaren MCL40

[SilviuAgo]

Nice and, I think, rare closeup on this cockpit area. The package seems very compact on the rear:

[trinidefender]

MCL40 in Shanghai (McLaren F1 sources)



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDQzKBEWUAA ... name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDQxkeuWQAA ... name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDSEBHlaIAA ... name=large

Just a reminder to everyone. These are external aerodynamic parts. Doesn't mean internal aerodynamic components haven't been changed or that weight reduction hasn't taken place.

[SilviuAgo]

MCL40 in Shanghai (McLaren F1 sources)



https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDQzKBEWUAA ... name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDQxkeuWQAA ... name=large

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDSEBHlaIAA ... name=large

Just a reminder to everyone. These are external aerodynamic parts. Doesn't mean internal aerodynamic components haven't been changed or that weight reduction hasn't taken place.

I think we are all aware about that, and all this "updates" presented by teams are linked with aero parts (FW, RW, sidepods, floor)/suspension etc.
If you have some data related to internal components changed by McLaren or wright reduction already implemented I'm more than happy to hear it.

[SilviuAgo]

In-depth look at MCL40 upper part of front suspension architecture


Source:F1tv

[venkyhere]

In-depth look at MCL40 upper part of front suspension architecture

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDbwxS2W0AE ... name=large
Source:F1tv

you mean in-depth 'no look' ?
we are seeing nothing meaningful

[SilviuAgo]

In-depth look at MCL40 upper part of front suspension architecture

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDbwxS2W0AE ... name=large
Source:F1tv

you mean in-depth 'no look' ?
we are seeing nothing meaningful

Imo is actually more relevant now in 2026 than it would have been last year. With the introduction of Active Aerodynamics, the front suspension's role has changed.
1. Mechanical Balance for Active Aero: Because the front and rear wings now shift positions to reduce drag on straights, the mechanical 'platform' provided by this suspension must be incredibly precise to handle the sudden shifts in aero-balance. We saw even in China Lando's FW touching track at the end of straight line and producing some sparks.
2.Narrower 2026 Chassis: You can see how McLaren has packaged the upper wishbones to suit the narrower 2026 chassis width. This mounting height is key to managing the wake around the new, smaller front wheels and directing it toward the revised sidepod inlets.
3.Flow Redirection: In 2026, the goal is to manage the "outwash" differently since the floor isn't doing all the part from ground effect era.
So sorry for not having a better picture, but is all I got from the live stream.

[venkyhere]

In-depth look at MCL40 upper part of front suspension architecture

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDbwxS2W0AE ... name=large
Source:F1tv

you mean in-depth 'no look' ?
we are seeing nothing meaningful

Imo is actually more relevant now in 2026 than it would have been last year. With the introduction of Active Aerodynamics, the front suspension's role has changed.
1. Mechanical Balance for Active Aero: Because the front and rear wings now shift positions to reduce drag on straights, the mechanical 'platform' provided by this suspension must be incredibly precise to handle the sudden shifts in aero-balance. We saw even in China Lando's FW touching track at the end of straight line and producing some sparks.
2.Narrower 2026 Chassis: You can see how McLaren has packaged the upper wishbones to suit the narrower 2026 chassis width. This mounting height is key to managing the wake around the new, smaller front wheels and directing it toward the revised sidepod inlets.
3.Flow Redirection: In 2026, the goal is to manage the "outwash" differently since the floor isn't doing all the part from ground effect era.
So sorry for not having a better picture, but is all I got from the live stream.

My post was not about the 'importance' of front suspension design.
My post was about that picture conveying nothing about the nuances of the design choices. Almost all teams have 'as high mounted as possible' top wishbone/pushrod. Many have a 'longbow' forming the forward arm of the upper wishbones on either side (ie a physical connection, that acts as anti roll bar whilst still having enough 'flex' at either end, to allow up-down movement of one side without affecting other side too much).

[willga]

...Many have a 'longbow' forming the forward arm of the upper wishbones on either side (ie a physical connection, that acts as anti roll bar whilst still having enough 'flex' at either end, to allow up-down movement of one side without affecting other side too much).

I don't think that the 'Longbow' wishbone design has any anti-roll bar function: bump on one side has no effect on the other side, as the movement is accommodated by the flexure joints.
The main advantage is consistency of suspension geometry left-to-right: any slight variation in the machining of the chassis mounting points can potentially vary the distance between the outboard axes of the left and right wishbones and affect your camber. By having the wishbones connected, this distance is set in stone (carbon). Furthermore, the connecting piece adds stiffness against compressive side loads, again keeping the geometry more consistent, and there may also be a slight weight saving of laying up a spanning wishbone over engineering a thick mounting point for separate cantilevered flexure joints.

[_cerber1]

[AR3-GP]

I'm not sure that "weight" is the primary reason that Mclaren went for a shorter car. It would only be a side effect. The words about weight in this tweet are not from anyone at Mclaren.

[Balalu]

I'm not sure that "weight" is the primary reason that Mclaren went for a shorter car. It would only be a side effect. The words about weight in this tweet are not from anyone at Mclaren.

This is actually taken from a Rob Marshall interview.

[AR3-GP]

I'm not sure that "weight" is the primary reason that Mclaren went for a shorter car. It would only be a side effect. The words about weight in this tweet are not from anyone at Mclaren.

This is actually taken from a Rob Marshall interview.

The tweet doesn't source the specific quote, so I forgot reading about this. However considering that Mercedes and Ferrari have no issue, I'm not convinced that there was no way to make a longer car. Mclaren have other reasons.

[AR3-GP]

[AR3-GP]

@n_mode_log

I don't think I've seen this before:


Is that where the rear brake rotor sits?

[brakeboosted]

@n_mode_log

I don't think I've seen this before:
https://i.postimg.cc/50ckKZ9N/image.png

Is that where the rear brake rotor sits?

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/HDNF3b-XgAA ... name=large

Those teeth slightly more inboard of your arrow is where the disc splines onto the hub.

Weight-saving measures. AMR does something similar just with a hole pattern. I recall looking at this area during the winter.