Technical Insight: McLaren runs a new nose in Mugello

McLaren is pushing ahead with development of its MCL35 as it seeks to secure its third place in the Constructors’ Championship.

The latest upgrade was seen during Free Practice 1 in Mugello, where McLaren test a new nose, very similar to the aerodynamic philosophy of Mercedes and Renault.

The new nose is narrower in the support pylons and features a large ‘cape’ – the flow diverter that sits underneath the nose to divert airflow to the bargeboards. This technical solution seeks to accelerate the airflow in the lower part.

The narrower section between the pylons energises the airflow, which makes the bargeboards and the floor work differently. The narrower pylons also increase the section between the nose and the Y250 coordinate, where the famous aerodynamic vortex is generated that F1 teams exploit for aerodynamic purposes.

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The new nose is probably being tested with a view to 2021, with further modifications likely to be made to the floor and bargeboards as they will now interact in a different way.

At McLaren they also introduced new bargeboards in Monza, which were also confirmed at Mugello. The new switches (already modified during this season) have slits in the area next to the bellies, also inspired by Mercedes. The new aerodynamic elements are intended to energise the flow and keep it adhered to the sidepod.