McLaren Debuts Rotating Wing at Monza and Tests Performance on Long Straights

McLaren arrived at the Italian Grand Prix expecting to prove whether the upgrades implemented in recent races are enough to tackle the challenge of Monza, a circuit that demands high speed and high downforce.

H-Wing: the rotating wing that promises to reduce drag

The device, called the H-Wing, is a low-downforce rotating rear wing. The team had already tested the concept in Austria but chose not to move forward at that time. The first application occurred during practice at the Hungarian GP in July, and it will now be evaluated at Monza.

Aerodynamic changes specific to Monza

In addition to the H-Wing, McLaren introduced minor adjustments to the car's design. The main change was a different paint job on the rear wing, which could influence airflow. The goal is to maximize aerodynamic efficiency on the long straights and in the heavy braking zones of the circuit.

Drag and braking challenges on long straights

Andrea Stella, team principal, highlighted that the MCL40 does not yet offer optimal drag performance. He stressed the need to improve performance on the long straights, where the car must maintain top speeds. The team also notes that Monza's heavy braking could represent an additional difficulty.

Expectations for the rest of the season

A good result at Monza could change McLaren's outlook for the upcoming races. Stella stated that if the improvements are confirmed, the team can look forward to the rest of the season with optimism. He also acknowledged that, so far, McLaren has been fighting for victories on high-downforce circuits.

Comparison with other teams

McLaren is not alone in seeking aerodynamic adjustments for Monza. Red Bull, for example, introduced a new floor geometry and a flap on the front wing to improve downforce. Aston Martin revised the front suspension and floor to increase the downforce of the AMR26. These changes reflect the general search for performance at Monza.

Conclusion: Monza as a decisive test

The Italian GP represents a decisive test for McLaren. If the new H-Wing and aerodynamic adjustments can improve performance on long straights and under heavy braking, the team could position itself as a stronger competitor in the subsequent stages of the season.

With information from MotorSport.com.br, Terra, ge.