Better thermal efficiency at McLaren
One of the MP4-30’s defining traits was its elongated water radiator, which was mounted on top of the engine (see above left). This original design enabled to have slimmer sidepods on the car, but does represent a significant suspended mass, which led to the car’s centre of gravity being higher.
Since then, Honda has optimised its ERS in Canada – though the systems are still far from perfect – and revised its ICE in Belgium. The combination of the two evolutions has improved the power unit’s overall thermal efficiency, while also allowing McLaren to install a more compact ERS cooler. The latter has a more classic triangular shape and is mounted on top of the gearbox, as is the case on several other cars (Mercedes, Force India, etc.)
