McLaren team principal Martin Whitmarsh has been assured by his design team, not to worry about the nose concept adopted by the Woking based outfit.
McLaren’s MP4-27 is the only car on the grid not to feature a stepped nose, or ‘platypus’ as it has now been dubbed.
Whitmarsh admits he sought clarification from his designers as to whether they have followed the wrong design path.
“I’ve asked our technical guys if they are sure that we have done the right thing and they have told me not to worry,” he is quoted as saying by Auto Motor und Sport.
![Franco Colpinto [front] avoided Liam Lawson [back] at the start of the Australian GP](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Franco-Colapinto-F1-Aus-GP-120x86.webp)
Whilst he understands the benefits that come with a higher nose, Whitmarsh believes the sloped nose also offers benefits which would otherwise have been compromised.
“There are a lot of compromises,” he said. “Yes, with a higher nose, we could channel more air [to the floor]. But [with our concept] we’ll have a lower center of gravity, more freedom in the suspension geometry, and a more comfortable seating position for the driver with a better view.”
In terms of radical innovations, such as the F-duct seen in 2010 and the exhaust-blown diffuser seen last season, Whitmarsh explained that 2012 would likely be a more conservative approach given the tighter regulations.
“This car is an evolution. At the Barcelona test you will see some new parts on the car and at the start of the season in Melbourne, even more. But in terms of radical innovations that are visibly obvious, I will have to disappoint. These rules leave no room.”
![Franco Colpinto [front] avoided Liam Lawson [back] at the start of the Australian GP](https://www.motorsportweek.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Franco-Colapinto-F1-Aus-GP-350x250.webp)
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