Lando Norris claimed his second career victory at the Dutch GP, almost ten races after his debut win in Miami. Although Norris is still over 70 points behind Verstappen in the standings, McLaren’s pace is ominous. The upgrades introduced this weekend were effective, further increasing the MCL38’s advantage over Red Bull. As Andrea Stella told the media post-race, McLaren have no intention of slowing down.
McLaren strive to continue rapid development progress
After bringing a massive update package at the beginning of the season, McLaren went several months without major changes. The priority at the Woking factory was to optimise the MCL38 before making any modifications.
McLaren’s strategy for 2024 was always to collect data and have complete certainty before aggressively developing upgrades after the summer break.
Despite their long stretch without significant updates, the Woking-based operation were comfortably the fastest team even before this weekend. However, their latest package has put them at an even bigger advantage.
The updates brought to Zandvoort were significant, featuring a series of alterations to the suspension and floor.
Speaking after today’s victory, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella revealed that more upgrades are incoming.
The former Ferrari engineer stressed the importance of developing a car capable of winning races at all types of circuits.
Whilst many observers would argue McLaren are already at this stage, Stella wants to erase any doubt.
He explains that more updates are in production to make the MCL38 an even more well-rounded machine.
McLaren want to increase their advantage
This clarity and drive for progress represent the opposite of Red Bull’s situation. Max Verstappen will not see any significant upgrades anytime soon, with the reigning champions failing to unlock more performance from the RB20.
Red Bull are even resorting to using old specifications from the very start of 2024. Andrea Stella is eager for his personnel to exploit this stagnation of Christian Horner’s team.
Of course, McLaren are not the only team working to improve. Ferrari will have a large upgrade package at the upcoming Italian GP, intended to put the SF-24 back on track.
Whether these changes are enough to upset Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri’s advantage in machinery is still unlikely. For McLaren, the objective is no longer to catch the fastest team.
They are now in a very different position, focusing on creating more distance to Red Bull and Ferrari.
Steady upgrades can be expected in the remaining nine rounds of the year. With the Championship now on the line, even the smallest signs of improved performance from the wind tunnel will be implemented on track.
