McLaren accumulated a total of 69 points in the Constructors’ Championship of the 2024 season. The McLaren F1 team started their campaign satisfactorily, currently occupying third place in the championship. Moving forward, their goal is to reduce the gap to the leading Ferrari team.
However, as the upcoming Chinese GP takes place in Shanghai, the McLaren team director expressed skepticism about their chances. He believes that the challenging MCL38 is not suitable for the Shanghai International Circuit.
The Woking team has earned a total of 69 points in the Constructors’ Championship so far. McLaren member Stella noted that, among all the circuits raced this year, the Shanghai International Circuit may not be the most compatible with their car. Additionally, they may have to deal with unpredictable weather conditions.
As the race weekend in Shanghai approaches, there are several uncertainties. The nature of the track and the expected role of the weather throughout the three-day event are both unknowns. Stella truly believes that the upcoming weekend in Shanghai could prove to be extremely challenging for McLaren.
Although Andrea Stella has expressed doubts about the suitability of the MCL38 on the 5.451 km Shanghai circuit, he also believes that FP1 will be a crucial session for his team and others. The last race held on this circuit took place in 2019.
Furthermore, the upcoming weekend will feature the infamous Sprint format.
The 53-year-old team member is well aware of the challenges awaiting all F1 teams at the Shanghai International Racing Circuit. The introduction of the Sprint format added additional pressure and, considering all factors, the event may produce unexpected results.
A Ferrari, rival of McLaren in the 2024 season, accumulated a total of 120 points in the Constructors’ standings. However, McLaren will strive to reduce the gap this weekend alongside their drivers. The papaya and scarlet red challengers will attract significant attention at the Shanghai circuit.
