McLaren's DRS Woes Persist

McLaren’s DRS Woes Persist, Plans for Boost

03/04/2024

McLaren F1’s struggle with top speed due to an inefficient DRS is ongoing, prompting a focused development effort.

McLaren F1, much like last year, continues to struggle with top speed deficiencies in its MCL38 due to an inefficient DRS. Zak Brown, the team’s CEO, has acknowledged that enhancing the rear wing’s movable flap is a development and improvement priority for the team.

“This is an area we’re looking to improve,” Brown stated. “I believe we made some progress in Melbourne. That particular circuit doesn’t have a significant DRS impact. We were quite slow in Saudi Arabia, but we think we’ve made some advancements, so we’ll see. We aim to make progress everywhere.”

McLaren has planned significant updates, though the specific deployment location remains uncertain. Brown is hopeful for these innovations to be introduced by the Miami GP, following the Japan and China races: “I believe Miami is the current plan. We’re giving it our all, just like everyone else.”

“However, if we can continue on the development trajectory we’ve been on since the latter half of last year, we should become faster and secure a few more podiums this year. The data looks promising. Our data correlates well.”

“Last year, we knew we’d be strong in Austria, and then with both cars at Silverstone, the team did a fantastic job. I see no reason why this can’t continue. Unfortunately, we have nine other teams with the same ambition as us, but we will continue to strengthen throughout the season.”

McLaren’s DRS Woes Persist, Plans for Boost. McLaren’s DRS Woes Persist, Plans for Boost

F1 Standings 2025
F1 Standings 2025
#
Driver
Points
1
Driver Flag
Max Verstappen
Red Bull
0
2
Driver Flag
Lando Norris
McLaren
0
3
Driver Flag
Charles Leclerc
Ferrari
0
4
Driver Flag
Oscar Piastri
McLaren
0
5
Driver Flag
Carlos Sainz
Williams
0
6
Driver Flag
George Russell
Mercedes
0
#
Team
Points
1
McLaren
Norris & Piastri
0
2
Ferrari
Leclerc & Hamilton
0
3
Red Bull
Verstappen & Lawson
0
4
Mercedes
Russell & Antonelli
0
5
Aston Martin
Alonso & Stroll
0
6
Alpine
Gasly & Doohan
0
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F1 CALENDAR 2025
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Australian
Albert Park
16 Mar
China Flag
Chinese
Shanghai International
23 Mar
Japan Flag
Japanese
Suzuka Circuit
6 Apr
Bahrain Flag
Bahrain
Bahrain International
13 Apr
Saudi Arabia Flag
Saudi Arabian
Jeddah Street
20 Apr
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13 Mar - 16 Mar
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