McLaren set to ‘cash in’ on development gains in back half of 2024

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McLaren team principal Andrea Stella believes his team is ready to “cash in” on the development work accrued during the first half of the 2024 Formula 1 season.

The Woking-based team, currently sitting in a strong second place in F1’s Constructors' standings, has surprised many with its competitiveness, especially given the relative scarcity of major upgrades brought to the track.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have both enjoyed the spoils of standing on the top step of the podium, and one could make a case for more wins falling to McLaren with better execution and strategy.

One of the key factors in the team’s competitive edge is their advantageous position under F1’s aerodynamic testing regulations (ATR).

Due to their fourth-place finish in the 2023 constructors’ championship, McLaren has had more development time available compared to the leading teams, including Red Bull.

Read also: Brown surprised by McLaren’s breakout success in F1

However, Stella remains cautious about how this will influence the rest of the season.

“In terms of the ATR, I’m not sure,” commented the Italian. “Effectively Red Bull have taken trackside more developments so far, in terms of physical parts delivered when you look at the submission, than what we have done.

“But definitely, I can talk for McLaren, we seem to now be in condition to cash in some of this development that we have accrued, and I would expect that for the second part of the season we will have at multiple times some new parts.”

Given McLaren’s impressive performance without significant upgrades since last June’s Miami Grand Prix, Stella expressed surprise at the team’s competitiveness.

“In a way I’m surprised that we’ve been so competitive, considering that from Miami onwards we haven’t actually brought trackside many new parts,” he explained.

“So it means that obviously the Miami upgrade was big, but there’s some upgrades that will come in the second part of the season.”

With the promise of further upgrades on the horizon, McLaren is well-positioned to continue its strong run in the second half of the 2024 season, which could elevate the team to greater heights as they look to close the gap on championship leaders Red Bull.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.