MCLAREN MCL39: PERFECTION WITH NO ROOM FOR ERROR

It’s no longer a surprise: McLaren is now one of the most complete and competitive cars on the grid. But its superiority doesn’t come down to a single factor. Instead, it’s the result of a harmonious blend of technical choices that together form a winning package. In a regulatory context as restrictive as today’s, where many teams are converging toward similar solutions due to natural development limits, what truly makes the difference is having a car that’s strong in every area.

The most obvious aspect is, without a doubt, aerodynamics. The MCL39 generates tremendous downforce, which improves tire management, allows for a broad setup window, and lets the car perform well across different conditions. But there’s a lesser-known, yet crucial detail: the extremely limited steering angle.

This characteristic—noticeable through telemetry and onboard footage—makes the McLaren especially effective in slow corners, where many other cars struggle. The reason also lies in the pull-rod front suspension, a technical choice that McLaren has pushed much further than other teams, including Red Bull, who were among the first to adopt it. In Woking, they’ve worked to make it as stiff and low as possible, minimizing chassis movement and improving steering responsiveness.

All of this, however, comes at a cost. A car this sharp at the front end is also extremely sensitive. It demands fast reflexes, a light touch, and a high level of control to avoid losing balance. It’s no coincidence that neither Norris nor Piastri has yet managed to complete a fully clean qualifying session. One small mistake can compromise an entire weekend—as we saw in China, Suzuka, and again in Bahrain.

Things are slightly different during the race. Drivers run well below the absolute limit, giving them more margin for error. But even then, the MCL39 remains a demanding car that punishes the slightest slip-up. Lando Norris, in particular, has shown how difficult it is to extract every ounce of performance from this machine. Watch his steering inputs and you’ll notice how little angle he uses compared to a driver like Verstappen, who’s famously aggressive at corner entry. That difference speaks volumes about the car’s nature and the kind of precision and control it requires.

Yes, McLaren has built an incredible machine—arguably the most advanced on the grid in terms of aerodynamic balance and efficiency. But it’s also a car that demands everything from its driver. You have to adapt, improve, and go beyond your limits. And Norris is learning that the hard way: to unlock its full potential, you need focus, sensitivity, and an extra dose of perfectionism.

Final note: does it really seem like a coincidence that Ferrari keeps struggling in slow corners and battling understeer?

Image from the YouTube channel "yelistener"

© Simone Marchetti Cavalieri