2025 McLaren F1 Team

[mwillems]

One wonders if the balance/predictability of the McLaren will hurt the drivers a lot here at Monaco where confidence in the car is very important

Exactly the point i made earlier.

Worried for Saturday, especially given the car is prone to front lockups. Not a good place for that trait given the circuit configuration and not a good place to understeer given the walls.

The drivers will need to take a very careful approach.

[Darth-Piekus]

Red Bull insiders should be careful what they ask for. The new TD might as well screw Red Bull. Anyone remember back in 2023 how Aston Martin was screwed from a TD that was targeting Red Bull?

Aston Martin was screwed by a TD targeting Aston Martin.

From what I remember it was targeting either Ferrari or Red Bull and Mercedes was the one that pushed for it but it backfired on Aston Martin.

[Cs98]

Red Bull insiders should be careful what they ask for. The new TD might as well screw Red Bull. Anyone remember back in 2023 how Aston Martin was screwed from a TD that was targeting Red Bull?

Aston Martin was screwed by a TD targeting Aston Martin.

From what I remember it was targeting either Ferrari or Red Bull and Mercedes was the one that pushed for it but it backfired on Aston Martin.

No. Aston was the target, their wing was visibly very bendy.

[CjC]

McLaren running a slightly modified livery for Monaco. Far from their previous specials, but a lot more papaya on the sidepods and engine cover.

https://scontent-lhr8-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=68337E40

I believe they are running it in Spain too. They must not have to change much on the front wing then

I read somewhere, Ferrari still believe the TD about flexi wing that will be introduced in Barcelona will change the pecking order. While Mclaren insist, nothing will dramatically change from their side.

Read that too.
We can add Christian Horner to the same list as McLaren now. He had changed his tune during his post race interview in Imola on Sky. Probably because he had just witnessed Max take a fairly commanding win whilst probably using a Spain non-compliant front wing

[deargodhelpme]

What's this that Im hearing about Lando Norris having psychological problems and fighting depression? Also hearing that he is gonna take a sabbatical from F1.

Fake. Originated from a Twitter account known for spreading false rumours.

[Darth-Piekus]

Tomorrow we are gonna have the two practice sessions. I hope everything goes well so we can find the perfect set ups for qualifying at Saturday and I wish that 60s papaya vintage livery will being some of Bruce Mclaren's good luck and speed.

[BMMR61]

One wonders if the balance/predictability of the McLaren will hurt the drivers a lot here at Monaco where confidence in the car is very important

Exactly the point i made earlier.

Worried for Saturday, especially given the car is prone to front lockups. Not a good place for that trait given the circuit configuration and not a good place to understeer given the walls.

The drivers will need to take a very careful approach.

Yeah the confidence factor is important in getting that Monaco "rhythm" that produces the final qualifying edge. I do think Oscar in particular should be able to find the car's low speed edge and stay away from the other edge that the drivers have complained about. He has also been particularly good from his first visit to this very unique track layout. If he nails it in qualifying then cashing the cheque on Sunday should be easier than he made it at Imola.

I understand that it's a three tyre race not a three compound race, no? I also believe the FIA didn't take the obvious step of banning the use of the red flag to change tyres, why, why why?

[mwillems]

It's one of the few ways to mix things up at Monaco where a straight forward dry race without an incident during pit windows means you'll get little change in the order.

I'm hoping Lando doesnt struggle this weekend, I'll welcome being wrong.

[FittingMechanics]

Yeah the confidence factor is important in getting that Monaco "rhythm" that produces the final qualifying edge. I do think Oscar in particular should be able to find the car's low speed edge and stay away from the other edge that the drivers have complained about. He has also been particularly good from his first visit to this very unique track layout. If he nails it in qualifying then cashing the cheque on Sunday should be easier than he made it at Imola.

I understand that it's a three tyre race not a three compound race, no? I also believe the FIA didn't take the obvious step of banning the use of the red flag to change tyres, why, why why?

I think the reason they haven't changed rules for red flag is because they don't want to complicate things with rules when you are allowed to change them and when you are not.

[wickedz50]

This weekend is all about luck with the new changes on pitstop rules. Never the less McLaren should have sound strategy in place and should account for best and worst scenario. It will be immense pressure and to chase something which is not there will have to be avoided. First target is to finish the race, second target have both cars in points and last last target is to have both the cars on the podium. A win will be awesome but first get the basics right.

[_cerber1]

If we can replicate the pace of Singapore, then pit stops and the number of them won't be a problem.

[Ground Effect]

Not gonna lie, Monaco is such a chore for me. I can count on one hand races I have enjoyed. The absolute worst for me was '94, it was the race that followed the tragic Imola. The front 2 grid slots were left empty, with Williams and Simtek fielding only one car each. I remember hoping Schumacher would retire, which would allow Martin Brundle to win his first GP. It would have been in a McLaren with the last nbr Senna raced with for the team. It would have been nice to see bearing in mind their incredible title battle in British Formula 3.

[BMMR61]

McLaren reveal they are making front geometry changes for Monaco (along with an all new rear wing). I think this may be to try to dial out some of the peakiness, the unpredictability on the limit, for this unforgiving circuit.
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-i ... itle-fight

[BMMR61]

If we can replicate the pace of Singapore, then pit stops and the number of them won't be a problem.

Very different car the MCL39. Pole will probably be won by the driver able to put together the most confidence over the first two days.

[organic]

If we can replicate the pace of Singapore, then pit stops and the number of them won't be a problem.

Very different car the MCL39. Pole will probably be won by the driver able to put together the most confidence over the first two days.

Lando was already complaining of bumps in Imola, while Monaco is a bumpier circuit no?