McLaren’s recent performance in Formula 1 has raised eyebrows and piqued curiosity within the racing community. During a challenging triple-header in Texas, Mexico, and Brazil, McLaren defied expectations, showcasing remarkable prowess on circuits traditionally believed to expose their weaknesses.
In the US Grand Prix, Lando Norris secured yet another podium for McLaren, a surprising feat given the team’s initial pessimism about their slow-speed vulnerabilities. Even more astonishing was Norris’s incredible drive in Mexico, where he climbed from 17th to fifth, demonstrating a race pace that easily merited a podium finish.
When questioned about McLaren’s unexpected form, team principal Andrea Stella admitted that they need to thoroughly understand their car’s strong race pace on circuits they perceived as unfavorable. He pointed out the unique conditions in Mexico, where lower ride heights mitigated some of their sensitivities in low-speed corners, offering a partial explanation for their success.
However, McLaren faced challenges in qualifying, particularly in Mexico, where their car’s behavior over a single lap became unpredictable. Stella speculated that recent upgrades might have inadvertently affected their car’s consistency in qualifying conditions, making it more challenging to set competitive lap times.
Despite these hurdles, McLaren’s surprising performances have given Stella hope for the upcoming race in Brazil. Previously deemed a difficult circuit, Interlagos now appears more promising, especially after McLaren’s impressive displays in Austin and Mexico. Stella expressed optimism about their potential to fight for podiums in Brazil if they can maintain their newfound momentum throughout the weekend.
