Will the Scuderia Ferrari – McLaren challenge in the 2021 Formula 1 season also be played on the technical developments front? The Woking team, after four GPs, has a 5-point advantage over the Maranello team in the Constructors’ World Championship, but the Italian side in Barcelona has recovered six lengths on the “papaya” cars.
McLaren has so far shown great technical vivacity by introducing a series of upgrades in Portugal and Spain in an attempt to defend the podium from the Reds behind Mercedes and Red Bull.
If Laurent Mekies, deputy of Mattia Binotto, in Montmelò said clearly that the technical staff of Maranello is already committed to “90 or 95% to the project of the car 2022″, in Woking they do not stop development because they will bring other updates on the MCL35M.
“Since the first test this year, we have always brought updates to the car, in an attempt to improve performance – said Andreas Seidl – we have seen changes in Portugal and free practice in Spain. Our work plan includes further updates in the next races “. – he explained.
Andreas Saidl also admited that the time when the technical staff led by James Key will dedicate to shift focus on next year’s car is not far, beecause later the changes will be less far-reaching than those seen so far.
In Spain, the two drivers, Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris, raced with the latest evolution of the floor, after in the free practice sessions they had made comparative tests between the version with the cut of the Z sidewalk and the one without.
The MCL35 M aimed at the Z-shaped floor already seen in Portugal with two arched flaps that were added, following the line of development which other teams in that area have followed. McLaren has worked hard to improve the “papaya” and the changes have not only affected the floor, but also the front wing and the rear brake ducts with different fins.
Will McLaren’s strategy of continuing the developments force Ferrari to change its plans, or are they reassured in Maranello that they can successfully challenge the Woking team with the current SF21?
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