McLaren MCL39

[f1rules]

Im not sure i understand? this is completely standard practice, they will allways have old versions on display, it has been like that forever. That is not the same as reproducing them

Piola: McLaren still reproduces the old configuration of the front wing. But it will likely revise the new version in the first test sessions for further testing.
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GuYzgHqX0AA ... name=large
I saw on F1TV also when they changed the FW on Alex car, so Giorgio might be right.

[vorticism]

There must be internal linkages added inboard which translate the transverse east-west linear motion of the steering rack...

There are not. The 2025 regs essentially state: "the inboard attachment points of the steering arms must maintain a fixed distance from each other, and only move in the y-axis (lateral direction)." So no linkages, it's just a plain rack and pinion mounted ~20 cm further back than normal, with arms swept by about 30 degrees. Q: are the effects of this beneficial to kinematics, or is it more about aero? Or by chance, beneficial to both.

There was something interesting in the photos posted earlier. There's an unusual gold colored part on the upright near the ball joint of the steering arm. Haven't seen anyone address it online yet. It appears to be a slot with a pin passing through it. My guess is that this is a steering bump stop limiter. The pin would be an extension of the steering arm. The slot defines the maximum travel of the pin/maximum rotation of the upright. The pin itself could bend upon contact with the limit, providing a soft stop. If so, all normal behavior for such a device. Sketch below.

The acronym DAS is being thrown around, and by that what's meant is variable toe angle. This can't be done via anything upstream from the inner attachment points of the steering rack, per the regs mentioned above, which outlawed Merc-type DAS. If variable toe is being achieved it would have to be done through the suspension kinematics alone, or by some unknown loophole. It's all speculation, no one online has analyzed the motion of the front wheels yet.

What does stand out to me is the virtual kingpin axis, which seems like it could be rather far outboard. If it is beyond the contact patch then the tyre is being rolled across the contact patch rather than turned atop it i.e. reduced scrub when the wheels are turned. Basic suspension stuff, I only bring it up in the context of managing tire life/temps.

[CjC]

I take it nobody has managed to find any pictures of the new rear suspension update which McLaren took to Austria?

[SilviuAgo]

RW for Silverstone. Rain may change the load.



According to F1dataAnalysis, McLaren is still unsure about the best wing to run at Silverstone

A MORE loaded wing (left) provides:
Much better braking (grip + stability)
Improved cornering and traction
Higher drag (main drawback)

🛞Will it result in better tyre deg? Yes... maybe
-The tyres will spin/slide less Smaller temperature spikes Lower thermal deg
-Tyres will be subject to higher vertical forces, AND also longitudinal/lateral forces if the driver exploits the additional grip Larger MECHANICAL stress. The AVERAGE temperature can get higher, increasing the mechanical wear (tyre gets softer) and the thermal wear too

[_cerber1]

AMuS

[f1rules]

As expected, new floor

[f1rules]

[SilviuAgo]

Brakes:


RearWings:

Rolando Tillit: Shallower main plane, similar second plane on both wings, with different tips. Wider and more forward swept for Piastri. Norris used the low DF wing to good effect in Spain, should be good here too.

[De Wet]

Still no pictures of the new rear suspension ?

[SilviuAgo]

Still no pictures of the new rear suspension ?

Here you go:







According to ThisIsFormula1, McLaren introduced coordinated updates to both the front and rear suspension of the MCL39 at the Austrian GP, aiming to address drivability issues in qualifying that had notably affected Lando Norris.
– The front suspension, refined further after its Canada debut, now features modified internal mechanics via the pull-rod system and new fairings on the suspension arms to improve force transmission and platform control.
– Alex Dunne conducted aerodynamic analysis with pitot tube-equipped rakes during FP1, confirming data collection on the front suspension’s airflow interaction.
– The rear suspension also received internal kinematic updates, likely designed to complement the front changes and balance bottom stability, tire behavior, and aerodynamic efficiency.

[SilviuAgo]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GvA1bCiWYAAOBqG.jpg

And few more, although McLaren decided to continue the weekend with the old spec.




Pics tks to Rosario Giuliana

[_cerber1]

@carpentiers_f1

[gcdugas]

I think that McLaren's "secret" regarding tire temps and wear are due to their suspension having the least spikes in load pressure with the tarmac. And I remember in the beginning of the ground effect cars in 2022 that McLaren brought some engineers in who had experience with bumpstops in NASCAR. Far be it from me to think that the American spec-car series has anywhere near the level of engineering as F1 but I think that McLaren might have gotten a good sized jump on the other teams and are just that much ahead in perfecting and tuning bumpstop technology to provide with a ride that minimized pressure spikes to the tires and maintaining ride height consistency. Perhaps this is also why their upgrades work so well because there is a high correlation between the tunnel where there are no bumps and consistent ride height variables enable the engineers to better pursue a direction in their aero development. Also, we don't ever hear that the Mac is pushing the limit with plank wear as Ferrari and MB often are.

What say ye gentlemen? Am I grasping at straws?

[PhillipM]

Bumpstop design has been a massive area well worked on by many teams and engineers ever since the ground effect era and is very mature in development.

[gcdugas]

Bumpstop design has been a massive area well worked on by many teams and engineers ever since the ground effect era and is very mature in development.

What do you think about my overall thesis that they are just that much ahead of other teams and that them not having plank issues is indicative of this?