2018 McLaren F1 Team - Renault

[M840TR]

Running more wing could be a solution for a lack of mechnical grip. They're having problems at lower speeds, which suggests they lack mechnical grip as well.

Mechanical grip, in other words grip provided by the suspension and the mechanical aspects of the car isn't and hasn't been the problem. It's getting the aero to work at lower speeds, they can't with their current setup so they have no low speed grip. Let's say for ships and giggles that the Red Bull makes between 5-10kg more downforce below 100km/h than the McLaren, and 15kg more downforce at 120km/h, and 30kg more at 140km/h, then 20kg more at 160km/h and between 180-220 the downforce is a wash, but after 220 the McLaren has more drag because it has to run higher wing angles to make up for the downforce deficit in low speeds(because that's where you gain and lose the most time).
If you're losing .3 seconds in the slow stuff because your downforce isn't kicking in yet, while another car is already making useful downforce you're going to get dusted. But you could be right, and it's just a platform issue.

Surely the aerodynamic part that is not working is the rear diffuser, that's the holy grail of downforce because its comes drag free (apart from a small amount of friction and tyre resistance).

That's not how it works...

[godlameroso]

Running more wing could be a solution for a lack of mechnical grip. They're having problems at lower speeds, which suggests they lack mechnical grip as well.

Mechanical grip, in other words grip provided by the suspension and the mechanical aspects of the car isn't and hasn't been the problem. It's getting the aero to work at lower speeds, they can't with their current setup so they have no low speed grip. Let's say for ships and giggles that the Red Bull makes between 5-10kg more downforce below 100km/h than the McLaren, and 15kg more downforce at 120km/h, and 30kg more at 140km/h, then 20kg more at 160km/h and between 180-220 the downforce is a wash, but after 220 the McLaren has more drag because it has to run higher wing angles to make up for the downforce deficit in low speeds(because that's where you gain and lose the most time).
If you're losing .3 seconds in the slow stuff because your downforce isn't kicking in yet, while another car is already making useful downforce you're going to get dusted. But you could be right, and it's just a platform issue.

Surely the aerodynamic part that is not working is the rear diffuser, that's the holy grail of downforce because its comes drag free (apart from a small amount of friction and tyre resistance).

Mostly true I suppose, it also has to do with how air is conditioned upstream. You're guiding air along the whole length of the car, and there are various flow structures that have to interact with the body work while maintaining their integrity. Something they're doing is limiting the onset and stability of their intended flow structures, I apologize for lack of specific terms as I don't know all the details, just the effects. It's similar to the problems Williams is having, albeit not as severe, and the car is still good in other ways, enough to be firmly in the mid field. I'm certain when they get their issues sorted out the car will be much better, will it win, probably not, but it'll definitely be closer to the front.

Another wasted season, but that's the price you pay to set things right, a lot of this was self imposed and a long time coming.

[godlameroso]

Mechanical grip, in other words grip provided by the suspension and the mechanical aspects of the car isn't and hasn't been the problem. It's getting the aero to work at lower speeds, they can't with their current setup so they have no low speed grip. Let's say for ships and giggles that the Red Bull makes between 5-10kg more downforce below 100km/h than the McLaren, and 15kg more downforce at 120km/h, and 30kg more at 140km/h, then 20kg more at 160km/h and between 180-220 the downforce is a wash, but after 220 the McLaren has more drag because it has to run higher wing angles to make up for the downforce deficit in low speeds(because that's where you gain and lose the most time).
If you're losing .3 seconds in the slow stuff because your downforce isn't kicking in yet, while another car is already making useful downforce you're going to get dusted. But you could be right, and it's just a platform issue.

Surely the aerodynamic part that is not working is the rear diffuser, that's the holy grail of downforce because its comes drag free (apart from a small amount of friction and tyre resistance).

That's not how it works...

No way you have downforce without a drag penalty, that's true, the diffuser is ultimately what isn't working as well as it should be, and you can't discount that either.

[Dipesh1995]

https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/mot ... 80086.html

Ojjeh has resigned apparently.

[Chicane]

He has had a double lung transplant and has had health issues for some time add to it his age. His resignation isn't surprising.

[M840TR]

I'l wait for more sources to verify the story just in case...

[M840TR]

Mclaren has denied Ojjeh’s exit from the team in any capacity.

[hpras]

It was written by Sylt...

[cyclon]

Article is harsh!
But yes, it is the last chapter of Dennis Departure...

[M840TR]

Article is harsh!
But yes, it is the last chapter of Dennis Departure...

It's bullcrap. Got proven wrong and now deleted.

[M840TR]

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown says the team is open to “opportunities” to bring its new technical director James Key to the team from Toro Rosso as soon as possible.
“We have a plan,” he said. “We obviously knew his current employment situations and are completely comfortable working around that situation.”
“We have done some restructuring, we’re doing some hiring, we’re not done yet, so we’re just head down operating according to the internal plan that we have,” said Brown.
“We have some other things we’re doing in the technical department. So I think that will become clear later in the year, what ultimately we’re going to do as far as give birth to the MCL34.”

https://www.racefans.net/2018/08/07/374 ... y-earlier/

Not to take anything away from the James Key situation but it's the first time we're officially hearing the name for next year's car...

[McL-H]

Article is harsh!
But yes, it is the last chapter of Dennis Departure...

It's bullcrap. Got proven wrong and now deleted.

Too bad.. he’s the main reason to McLaren’s current results.

[godlameroso]

Who is?

[Ground Effect]

Who is?

I believe Mansour Ojjeh is being referred to.

[zoroastar]

what title does Ojjeh carry at mclaren anyway? i thought that he was just a major shareholder. and i wonder how much he meddles in team building?