The new directions McLaren has found with its evolutionary MCL38

But, having placed so much emphasis on improvements last year, has McLaren reached the limit of its gains or is there still plenty of potential left in its package?

Unsurprisingly, the MCL38 is an evolution of the machine that raced in Abu Dhabi, albeit with the bodywork and components optimised to take further advantage of the performance accrued throughout the season.

Starting with the sidepods, the MCL38 features the down-sloping ramp-style bodywork at the rear, complete with a waterslide gulley that’s been re-optimised to take into consideration the subtle changes made to the engine cover’s shelf-like outcropping.

It’s here where the cooling gill panels have also been condensed. However, given the panels can be interchanged we’re only seeing one level of cooling here, with other options available depending on the amount of heat rejection required.

It’s at the front of the sidepod where we see that McLaren is bucking the trend though.

Whilst most of the grid has followed the example of Red Bull and its underbite bodywork and shallow inlet seen on both the RB18 and RB19, McLaren has taken a different approach.

The inlet on the MCL38 is narrower and taller than expected. However, the sidepod still widens beyond the inlet to help tackle the turbulence created by the front wheel assembly.

What’s more intriguing is the use of a short overbite instead, with the upper leading lip of the sidepod extending out and hooding the inlet.

McLaren may not be alone in having gone this direction because, if the shots of Red Bull’s new RB20 being shaken down at Silverstone are to be believed, the world champion squad may have done this too.

Both squads changing direction would make sense, in as much as they are the two teams that have used the underbite for the longest. So they have likely found its weaknesses and moved towards a more appropriate alternative to increase performance.

McLaren MCL38

Photo by: McLaren

The MCL38 still features a pull-rod front suspension layout, with the arrangement undoubtedly refined to better suit the desired aerodynamic characteristics that link the front wing and nose assembly with the floor and sidepod region of the car.

And, whilst Mercedes, Aston Martin and Williams all appear to have made the switch to a push-rod rear this season, it’s no real surprise to see the MCL38 sticking with that option too.

Both the MCL36 and MCL60…