This image from Miami GP is quite revelatory :
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/u2slam7e ... mxfox&dl=0
Two important things of note :
1. McLaren is able to run 'lower' => naturally more DF without drag penalty. This is thanks to better suspension design (stiffer but without compromising kerb riding - soft for wheel movement, stiff for body movement) in the McLaren that allows such low ride height without the "bottoming out" compromise. All those white markings around the front wing, floor etc show the lower ride height
2. look at the rear engine cover area and see the 'volume of flow' at the coke bottle area, throwing useful air at the BW/RW, by the McLaren. This will tremendously help extraction from diffuser as well, thus enabling more rear DF with the same wing levels as the Redbull. This will in turn (for balance sake) mean more DF can be added at the front wing than the Redbull. We can clearly see the difference between the two FWs.
Just these two points - better suspension design and better engine cover packaging - has enabled McLaren to have :
- better quality DF due to lower running floor
- better DF from BW, RW, FW ; with maybe a little drag added by FW. However this provides a stronger front end to the car, without having a loose rear end.
I think, this is the 'proper' performance advantage that McLaren have over Redbull or anyone else, not just the tyre heat advantage. Proves that MCL39 is the most advanced car in this Ground Effect era, and by quite a big margin. It is impossible to match this car without 'proper innovation' that takes more than 1 year, even if it's possible to come up with the clever ideas. The reason this car doesn't grab pole in every Q is down to their drivers not being able to handle some of the 'quirks' that can come from such a 'strong nosed' car.
