Let’s take a look at the top speeds, braking, traction, maximum throttle based on data collected from the qualifying session for the 2023 F1 British Grand Prix.
Aston Martin ran a less loaded rear wing to gain straight-line speed: considering that it made even their single-lap pace worse, we can only imagine what will happen in the race over a stint.
McLaren’s main weakness remains the drag: lowest Mercedes-engined speed.
AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo and Haas didn’t get DRS.
Except Max Verstappen, it’s going to be topsy turvy race, with cars being faster/slower than the cars around during the beginning/end of stints. It’ll be most likely Mercedes and Ferraris who will be the 2nd amd 3rd fastest team.
There are two aspects in which the McLaren has room for improvement:
Drag
Braking, as shown in the graph abov.
The McLaren was able to reach ‘just’ a bit over 4g under braking; compare that with Red Bull and Ferrari. The SF-23, in particular, could reach almost 5g
Surprisingly, the Williams stayed full throttle for the least time, by far!
That is due to Albon’s peculiar driving style: in many sections where other drivers stayed full throttle and then touched the brake, he lifted earlier to avoid braking…a ‘smooth operator!’
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