During a recent technical media session in the Monaco pitlane, McLaren’s team principal Andrea Stella discussed more than just the MCL39 car.
Stella used an analogy featuring apples and pears to make a point about the differences between various tracks on the Formula 1 calendar, emphasizing that they shouldn’t be compared indiscriminately.
When the Imola race was criticized as a slight disappointment for McLaren, Stella disagreed, stating, “I believe this is a case of comparing apples and pears. My teacher used to say to be specific and analytical in how we use information.” He further clarified that Imola falls into a category with tracks like Saudi Arabia and Japan, which feature high-speed corners and are notably narrow.
In contrast, he pointed out that Miami is a low-speed track and mentioned, “Our car has shown significant improvement in low-speed corners thanks to our aerodynamic developments.” He suggested that comparisons between the Miami and Imola races aren’t fair without considering their differing characteristics.
Stella didn’t categorize the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, stating it requires a different classification entirely. He noted that each track presents unique challenges and that the Montreal circuit’s long straights and tight corners demand distinct handling from an F1 car.
The lack of grip at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, combined with the need for driver confidence while navigating close to walls, added complications for McLaren. Despite the MCL39 being the fastest car, it proved challenging to drive consistently, affecting performance, particularly during qualifying.
Looking ahead, Stella emphasized that while McLaren encountered difficulties in Canada, these are not indicative of their overall standing. The MCL39 remains competitive, and with further refinement, they could maintain their edge in upcoming races, particularly if rivals like Mercedes and Red Bull continue to improve.
