Mclaren formula e

Listen to this article In recent years the team was noted for not having the most effective stops, in terms of both the average time taken and mistakes made. Under previous boss Andreas Seidl stops were earmarked as one of the key elements that had to be improved as the team tried to raise its overall level and move up the field. "Independently of the on-track results there's a journey that happens in developing a race team," said Stella, who served as executive director of racing prior to his recent promotion. "There are some technical aspects, operational, pitstops. There's also some aspects which become more and more relevant in the current context of the F1 calendar, which is the well-being of people, logistics, efficiency of how you go racing in relation to costs. "So in all those areas, we had some targets in terms of improvement. Targets that you achieve even by fine-tuning the organisation, developing the talent, selecting the leaders, putting in place the right … [Read more...] about How McLaren got on top of its F1 pitstop struggles

At the Autosport International show last weekend I came across the stand for McLaren Electronic Systems – the company which won the bid to provide the standard engine control unit to Formula 1 teams for 2008. Although the deal attracted little attention when it was announced in 2006 it has become a bone of contention, particularly since McLaren became embroiled in the Ferrari espionage scandal last year. Ferrari and other teams have suggested it will give McLaren an unfair advantage as they will be familiar with the system. This picture shows the little back McLaren-branded box that will be inside every F1 car this year and should provide the FIA with the means by which it can police a ban on traction control . The company had some interesting things to say about it at the show. The MES spokesperson I chatted to explained that three different companies put in bids for the contract, one of which was long-term Ferrari suppliers Magneti Marelli. Winning the contract has … [Read more...] about A close look at McLaren’s standard ECU · RaceFans

F1 team bosses are split over the new Electronic Control Units set to be introduced into F1 next year. From 2008 teams will have to used a standard unit rather than build their own. Among other things this will allow the FIA to ensure teams obey next year’s ban on traction control. But the plan for the units has attracted criticism. Many expressed surprise when the contracts to produce the units was awarded to a company linked to an F1 team – McLaren Electronic Systems. Some teams have also complained the units do not work with their engines. Are the concerns legitimate? Or are a few teams kicking up a fuss for political reasons? Briatore’s complaint Renault boss Flavio Briatore voiced his concerns about the standard ECUs at the Hungaroring three weeks ago, saying: At the moment I’m writing a protest. We don’t want them. First of all, because they don’t work on our cars: the cars don’t even start up. And second, why should we send some of our data to McLaren? … [Read more...] about New row over McLaren ECUs · RaceFans

Listen to this article Rookie Piastri replaces Daniel Ricciardo , who in stark contrast was in his 12th season last year, and carried with him the experience of scoring eight grand prix victories. While Piastri has a lot to learn, Stella is confident that the team can look to Lando Norris as it hones the 2023 car. "I think the important point is to have continuity with Lando, he keeps the kind of reference," said Stella. "And it's a reference that we know very well, because we have gone through the development of Lando together with him. "And there has certainly been a development from a technical point of view, from a driving point of view, race craft point of view. So I think we know this very well. "It will become a frame of reference for Oscar as well. And this is in terms of not only Oscar's performance himself, but also understanding the car." Stella stressed that in modern F1, teams rely heavily on data, although drivers still play a role in … [Read more...] about McLaren: Piastri’s lack of experience won’t hold team back

Zak Brown believes one of the best things about Formula 1’s budget cap is that teams cannot spend their way out of trouble, they’ve got to think cleverly – and frugally. 2021 saw the sport introduce a budget cap that was set at $145 million. That meant the teams had to design and build their all-new 2022 cars on a shoestring, at least compared to what F1’s three biggest teams had been spending up until then. Mercedes, it’s fair to say, suffered more than most as it quickly became evident in pre-season testing that they had some serious problems with their porpoising W13. The reigning Constructors’ Champions weren’t able to just throw money at the problem, the go-to solution in yesteryear, and it took them almost the entire first half of the season to minimise the bouncing. Even then it still reared its head at the season-ending race in Abu Dhabi. McLaren, however, weren’t exempt from feeling the effects of the cap as their MCL36 had a brake problem during pre-season testing, … [Read more...] about Zak Brown highlights ‘one of the great things’ about Formula 1’s budget cap

Listen to this article The Briton renewed his relationship with the Woking squad twice in quick succession. He agreed one contract extension in May 2021 before inking another on revised terms in February of last year. Provisionally, that means he will remain with McLaren - which finished fifth behind Alpine in the constructors’ championship last season - until the end of 2025. But Red Bull team boss Christian Horner revealed in November that he had sat down for preliminary talks with Norris immediately before the 23-year-old committed his future to the papaya outfit. He said: “We’ve spoken to Lando a couple of times over the years. But every time we’ve had a conversation, the next day he’s signed a contract with McLaren.” However, 2022 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix podium finisher Norris says these initial discussions are par for the course for drivers. He also hinted at holding talks with several teams before deciding to remain at "best option" McLaren to end … [Read more...] about Norris held initial talks with several F1 teams prior to latest McLaren deal

Despite not having the “best entry” onto the Formula 1 grid, Romain Grosjean is keen to see what Oscar Piastri can achieve in his first season on the grid. Last year Piastri found himself at the heart of Formula 1’s silly season as Alpine and McLaren vied for his services. While Alpine announced the reserve driver as Fernando Alonso’s replacement in early August, Piastri responded by taking to social media to refute that saying he “will not be driving for Alpine” in 2023. Instead, it was speculated at the time, he had already signed a contract with McLaren. As the saga played out, the Enstone team took the Australian and McLaren before F1’s Contract Recognition Board in a final attempt to sign him. The Board ruled that the only valid contract for 2023 was between Piastri and McLaren. Alpine went onto accuse him of being disloyal and thinking he was better than the Williams seat they were initially trying to secure for him. Piastri largely remained silent throughout it all … [Read more...] about Romain Grosjean: Oscar Piastri has not had ‘the best entry’ into F1 with McLaren-Alpine saga

Having previously confirmed he had spoken with rival teams before re-signing with McLaren, Lando Norris says he’ll do it again when his current contract expires in 2025. Norris arrived on the Formula 1 grid in 2019, the Briton signing with McLaren but not before speaking with Red Bull Racing. That, though, wasn’t the last time he held informal talks with Christian Horner, doing so again before putting pen to paper on a new deal in early 2022. His latest contract runs through to 2025, Norris signing it before even seeing the new cars in action which raised a few eyebrows . “It was surprising that he signed such a long contract at the start of his career,” former F1 driver turned pundit Jenson Button Sky Sports F1. “We all want to be team players but you never know where the team is going to be in three years.” Norris has defended his decision, saying he wanted to avoid the need to have conversations with rival teams as all the drivers do before signing a contract. … [Read more...] about Lando Norris explains why he agreed a long-term contract with McLaren

Listen to this article Only four of the 10 teams have an unchanged driver line-up - Red Bull, Ferrari , Mercedes and Alfa Romeo - meaning the remaining six will have spent much of this winter getting their new signing up to speed, learning the ropes and embedded within their team. But it will also leave drivers facing new dynamics to work with. Team-mate relationships are often in the spotlight in F1, especially when things go wrong. Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez ’s fall-out at Interlagos over team orders being one of the most explosive examples last year, although Red Bull has since stressed everything has been patched up, the line-up set to continue for another two seasons. A couple of the new line-ups for 2023 will be of particular interest for fans this year, given the history between the drivers involved: Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon at Alpine ; and Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen at Haas. As much as modern-day F1’s desire for drama may … [Read more...] about Do Formula 1 team-mates really need to be best friends?