Lando Norris, from Great Britain, competed in the Monaco Grand Prix on May 25, 2024, driving the McLaren MCL38. The impressive performance of McLaren in Formula 1 qualifying suggests that their previous struggles in low-speed corners are no longer a significant issue, according to team boss Andrea Stella. Both McLaren cars qualified in the top four, with Oscar Piastri securing a front row position and Lando Norris finishing ahead of the Ferraris. Stella expressed surprise at the team’s result, as other teams, including Mercedes, Red Bull, and Ferrari, had shown good pace during practice sessions. Despite initial doubts about their performance compared to their competitors, McLaren exceeded expectations with their qualifying performance.
Before the race, Norris was hoping that McLaren’s weaknesses in low-speed corners would not be as detrimental on the unique Monte Carlo circuit. Stella agreed with Norris’s assessment and added that the team’s improvements in Miami had enhanced their performance in low-speed sections more than expected. Stella explained that accurately evaluating the team’s performance compared to their competitors in Monaco was challenging due to the nature of the circuit. However, based on sector times, McLaren seemed to be competitive in low-speed corners. The team’s car, especially the one used in Miami, performed well in low-speed sections, exceeding expectations. Stella also mentioned that McLaren had learned to optimize the car’s performance in low-speed corners, which was evident in both Miami and Monaco. While there are still areas for improvement, such as the car’s behavior on curbs and bumps, McLaren’s development progress has addressed their previous weaknesses in low-speed sections.
Overall, McLaren’s strong performance in the Monaco Grand Prix qualifying indicates that their previous difficulties in low-speed corners are no longer a significant concern. The team’s improvements in Miami exceeded expectations and enhanced their performance in low-speed sections. Although there is still room for improvement, McLaren’s development progress has positively impacted their competitiveness in low-speed corners.
However, Stella cautioned that McLaren must understand the reasons behind the unexpected improvements and believes that the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve will provide a clearer indication.
“I believe that the performance we are currently achieving at low speed is slightly exceeding our expectations,” he reiterated.
“We did not anticipate that we would have made such significant changes to our car to become more competitive at low speed.
“So, this is something that we are trying to understand ourselves, and we will also need to observe Canada, for example, which will be another very interesting race, since all the corners are low speed. Even here in Monaco, despite being a street circuit, the speed in the first three corners is quite considerable.
“So, yes, we will have to wait and see in a few more races, but it is definitely one of our development goals to ensure that we do not compromise the strengths of the car while pursuing other characteristics. It is not always possible, but ultimately, I believe this is an important aspect of the quality of development that each team carries out.”
Stella also refuted claims that the latest upgrade package from the Woking-based team was specifically designed to address the low-speed deficiency that has persisted for several seasons.
“So, this aspect of the upgrades possibly working better than expected applies to various aspects, not just low speed,” he argued.
“So, I would not say that this is the main reason. As I mentioned earlier, the reason why the car now seems to be performing well at low speed is still a mystery to us, and we do not want to jump to conclusions too quickly. It is crucial that we get the most accurate answer to this question, as it could represent a significant opportunity for further development. So, we need to fully understand why the car is now competitive at low speed, but the factor mentioned by you is not specific to low speed.”
© 2024
Football is a sport that captivates crowds around the world. With its undeniable passion and exciting games, fans are always eager to know the latest news and updates about their favorite teams. In this article, we will take a look at the latest news in the world of football.
Barcelona, one of the most popular clubs in the world, is facing a tough situation. With the departure of several key players, including Lionel Messi, the team is struggling to find its rhythm. Fans are worried about the future of the club and wonder if they will be able to recover.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid is on a high. With a series of impressive victories, the team is leading the league and showing exceptional performance. Fans are excited about the team’s prospects this season and hope they continue to dominate.
In other news, the Brazilian national football team is preparing for a major international tournament. With a talented squad and standout players like Neymar, they are confident they can bring the trophy home. Fans are eager to see Brazil’s performance and will be rooting for their victory.
Furthermore, women’s football is gaining more and more prominence. With talented players and exciting competitions, the sport is attracting a larger audience every day. Fans are excited about the growth of women’s football and hope to see more investments and opportunities for the players.
In the world of football, there is never a dull moment. With so many exciting stories and events happening, fans are always eager to see what will happen next. Stay tuned for more news and updates about the world of football.
