How McLaren stole the F1 upgrade spotlight in Singapore

The revisions built on the fundamental changes made to the layout of its sidepod and engine cover bodywork, plus the alterations made to the floor and diffuser earlier in the season.

However, the sheer scope of the development package and logistical challenges involved resulted in the parts only being fitted to one of its cars, with Lando Norris getting the nod for the Marina Bay weekend.

A second set of parts will be available in Japan, which will allow Daniel Ricciardo to enjoy what the team hopes to be a step forward in terms of performance.

The most dramatic change in this new package comes courtesy of the new inlet arrangement, with the team seemingly taking inspiration from Red Bull. However, it must also be seen as a continuation of the design changes it had already implemented on the MCL36 this season.

Whilst others have converged on Red Bull’s overall sidepod solution, with a number of teams now sporting the downwash-style ramp solution, McLaren is the first to try an open top inlet arrangement similar to the one used on the RB18. 

Granted, it’s not an exact replica, nor should we expect it to be, especially as there’s still a great deal of difference in the overall sidepod layout, albeit with them being conceptually similar.

Perhaps more importantly, there’s a significant amount of difference in terms of layout under the hood, with differences not only in the internal packaging of the radiators, coolers and electronics housed within but also in the positioning of the Side Impact Spars (SIS).

As we can see in the side-by-side comparison, not only does McLaren have its lower SIS positioned higher than Red Bull, it opted for a more rearward position for the upper SIS, mounting it behind the cooling paraphernalia.

McLaren may look at repackaging the entire sidepod arrangement for next season. However in the interim, it hopes the changes made to the inlet and the section forward of the coke bottle line will provide an uplift in cooling and aerodynamic efficiency, with the cooling louvres also adapted to suit.

Another aspect of the sidepod design that’s been adapted for Singapore onwards is the forward undercut, with a deeper gulley beneath the inlet that takes into account the revised flow it’ll receive given the alterations made to the floor, bib and floor fences ahead of it.

McLaren was one of only two teams…