McLaren surprised everyone last season, achieving podiums and securing fourth place in the constructors’ championship. The team made significant upgrades during the second half of 2023, which contributed to their success. This year, McLaren intends to follow a similar strategy.
In Miami, McLaren will introduce its initial package of upgrades, although it may not be enough to close the gap between them and the dominant teams Ferrari and Red Bull. The main performance flaw of the MCL38 was discovered during the race in Suzuka. The team is optimistic that the first upgrade package will improve their speed and they believe they can outperform their rivals, who will also introduce upgrades throughout the year.
Currently, McLaren holds the third position in the constructors’ championship. Ferrari is the second fastest team on the grid, behind the mighty Red Bull. However, McLaren is on an upward trajectory. To keep the pressure on the teams ahead, regular upgrades will be necessary. Stella believes this is an area where McLaren can surpass Ferrari and Red Bull.
As mentioned earlier, McLaren’s first set of upgrades will be introduced in Miami. The team has consistently scored points in every race and shown strength. While aiming to maintain their current third position, McLaren also plans to catch up to the Maranello-based team should the opportunity arise.
Stella believes that the advancements in 2024 will allow the MCL38 to adapt more effectively to any track, eliminating concerns about circuit compatibility. McLaren has accumulated twice as many points as Mercedes in four races, and their advantage in the constructors’ championship could be strengthened by their next development plan.
