McLaren have amassed 13 points this year, 9 of which come from current world champion Lewis Hamilton. With the team scrambling at the back of grid during the Silverstone Grand Pirx, many are wondering what exactly is wrong?
The main problem, which has persisted since the unveiling of the Mclaren MP4-24 car in January is the lack of aerodynamic downforce. This essentially allows increased pressure between the tyres and the racetrack, giving the car the ability to travel faster through corners. Having not addressed this issue after eight races, it seems unlikely the team can make major improvements during the remainder of the season.
At the heart of the aerodynamic problems has been McLaren’s use of a conventional diffuser. This component is responsible for organising high speed air rushing under the car. The Brawn team, who sit 30 points clear at the top of the constructors championships have a different design whose legality has been unsuccessfully challenged by McLaren.
Although the Woking based team has updated the diffuser, the balance of the car is likely to have been affected requiring changes elsewhere in the car. Tight regulations on testing during the course of the season make it difficult and risky to radically change the car, effectively rendering the season over as far as Lewis Hamilton is concerned.
Many within the sport have also suggested a highly competitive season last year which saw Hamilton win the championship in the last race, in the last corner, took its toll. Indeed, both McLaren and Ferrari have failed to do anything notable this season, with their cars looking underdeveloped.
F1 is currently going through unprecedented times, with eight teams, including McLaren, threatening to break away and form their own racing championship. Under normal circumstances the best option for McLaren would be to begin development on a new car for next season. However, without knowing where the sport will be in 2010, what the rules will be and what races will make up the calender, the team with others are peering in the dark.
