McLaren Formula 1 team principal Andrea Stella has outlined plans to examine a performance shortfall against Mercedes on the straights. The gap stands at three to four tenths of a second per lap overall.
Stella attributed 70 percent of the deficit to corners, where Mercedes generates more downforce. The remaining 30 percent occurs on straights, with a loss of around one and a half tenths of a second.
The team is considering aerodynamic drag on the MCL40 and differences in how the shared Mercedes power unit is operated. Stella noted ongoing collaboration with Mercedes High Performance Powertrains to improve energy deployment tools.
He said the focus remains on reducing drag while maintaining close dialogue with the power unit supplier. Stella added that projects to increase downforce are already in development and expected to reach the track soon.
