F1 – F1|McLaren, creeping passion. Ferrari is already far away

F1: McLaren he certainly expected more in the fight with Ferrari Inside of Japanese Grand Prix last sunday Historian the team Of To work was released as the favorite to take at least one podium position at the end of the race Suzukaconsidering the excellent performance provided by the aerodynamic load, something that especially in the first sector of the Japanese track, that of A snakeit was supposed to make a difference.

This time, however, the prediction was not respected: the MCL38honest evolution of the car that impressed everyone in the second half of last season, also being by a good length the most powerful car on the track after Red Bull RB19He did his homework well during the winter, but it is clear that he is not at the level of Ferrari SF-24The real big news of this season, confirmed so far, compared to 2023.

Still a Suzuka took place less than six months ago: the race took place on September 24, and McLaren he managed to keep Norris e Plate on the platform behind the elusive player Max Verstappentime Ferrari he was 45 seconds behind the Dutch world champion. Today, however, things are quite the opposite, perhaps even contrary to the expectations of many. For this reason, in the month of Maggiopackage of update it intends to try to close gap on Ferrari even if it is right Andrew Stellathe head of the team To workhe doesn’t seem very convinced.

F1|McLaren: Norris is absent in the final minutes

Be clear: McLaren Of Norris he gave me a hard time Leclerc all in Australia that in Japanfinish a few seconds behind the standard bearer Ferrari, but without ever managing to worry him in the final and decisive moments of these two matches. There MCL38 straight speed pays off, which is no small thing when you’re passing, especially one SF-24better for forward separation.

Before selection Suzuka,, McLaren was called to stand in front of Ferrarithere is little that can be done: the characteristics of the Japanese song were too good not to succeed, but the team Of To work failed, even strategically, to focus on suffering in direct “confrontation” with Solid Cavallinoprobably later according to their calculations, at the beginning of this season.

The current size of McLaren, therefore, puts the British team in third place in the constructors’ championship, certainly according to expectations, but 51 points away from the Modena team. There MCL38 It’s certainly a good car, aeronautically speaking, but it suffers a lot from straightaway drag, and this can hold it back, we’ve seen it especially Jeddah in the struggle between Platenew rubber, e Hamiltonused tire with a Mercedes poor in fast corners but almost invincible on the straight in the papaya car.

F1|McLaren: Piastri must reset in Melbourne and Suzuka

Pilot chapter: no McLaren has a very respectable couple, namely the one created by Lando Norris e Oscar Plate. And combination of youth and talent, which is perhaps not yet explained, especially for an Australian, in his second year System 1 and who in the first four races suffered from competition with his teammate, except Jeddahbut then the strategy of the wall on the English cavalry was completely destroyed.

It must be said that too Lando Norrisat a time when we need to give that little bit more to make a difference, he takes a lot of effort to look a little sloppy, in defense and in attack. Let’s also include a strategy, once again a disaster Suzuka, and a full plate is served. We are not saying that McLaren It’s disappointing, but certainly not illuminating.

The British after Japanese Grand Prix he admitted that nothing more could be done against him Ferrariand the fact of how the Red team has provided a Leclerc e Sainz a vehicle capable of easily passing all motorized vehicles Mercedes, who for one reason or another have problems. The the team Of To work he is in the best position, given the data, but the feeling is that there is no complete satisfaction.

Those who are looking for answers in a short time certainly are Oscar Platevery difficult Japan where last year he finished on the podium behind Max e di Landoconfirming the colorless proof already shown Melbourne and a limitation, more mental than physical, in our opinion, which does not allow him to do well, because the eighth position of last Sunday, of course, is a real disappointment.

Author: Andrea Bovone

Photo: McLaren Media Center