Aston Martin has revealed that it is set to investigate whether McLaren’s approach to bringing upgrades has inspired its rise to become Formula 1‘s benchmark team.
McLaren’s 2024 machine, the MCL38, has emerged as the leading package in the F1 paddock, despite the side introducing minimal developments compared to rivals.
A revised front wing at Silverstone was the sole new part McLaren brought between update packages in Miami and Zandvoort that have elevated its competitiveness.
The Woking-based squad’s decision to optimise existing components – including running the floor that was introduced in Miami – marks a contrast to the competition.
Aston Martin has been among several teams that have accelerated upgrades this season but then endured a regression as it encountered unexpected complications.
The British marque was able to compete with McLaren in the nascent races until changes to the AMR24 at Imola saw it venture down the wrong development avenue.
Having since slipped into the midfield’s clutches, Aston Martin boss Mike Krack has conceded it would be “foolish” not to review the methods behind McLaren’s climb.
“We are looking at this a lot,” Krack told Autosport.
“If you compare the pace, and you see when have they [McLaren] made a step, and you can correlate that with some upgrades that are declared as we never have the full picture, there is some correlation where you can say, ‘okay, this is what it has been changed, and what has it potentially done’.
“When you see, for example, the Zandvoort upgrade, it’s a bit here, a bit there, a bit there. You see how fine and complex these cars have become, so I think it would be foolish not to look at it.”
Aston Martin gains lie in delivering benign car
Krack has pointed to engine supplier Mercedes‘ resurgence prior to the summer break as evidence that considerable progress is viable should it produce a benign car.
“We were on a level with Mercedes at the beginning of the season for the first races, and then they have won races,” he acknowledged.
“So it is possible to make substantial steps with these regulations if you get the car stable and behaving the way the drivers want it.
“There is not a pure race for downforce that you used to have in the past.
“Where it’s really difficult here is it is more about getting the stability, but getting the balance and the load obviously as well.”
Aston Martin is poised to conclude the campaign in fifth place once again as it resides a seismic 243 points behind Mercedes but is 52 points above a struggling RB.
READ MORE: McLaren admits to dilemma over bringing F1 upgrades in 2024
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