The British team is questioning the numerous wheel locks of its drivers in Brazil and is looking into a design problem with its car to eradicate the phenomenon.
McLaren had everything to deal a strong blow to Red Bull in Brazil, while the two Red Bull cars did not make it past Q2. In the race, however, Max Verstappen's RB20 seemed to be equipped with a reactor, as the world champion obliterated his opponents with ease between the drops.
Helped by the interruption of the race, following the exit of the track of Franco Colapinto, the Dutchman found himself at the head of the event with the opportunity to put on new tires during the neutralization at the red flag.
Once the drivers restarted, Lando Norris made several deviations and went off the track a few times. The Briton admitted his mistakes after the race, but his team has questions. While his drivers experienced some difficulty braking in rainy conditions throughout the weekend in Sao Paulo, Andrea Stella takes his analysis a little further.
Pilots excused
For the boss of Woking, technical elements of the MCL38 are at the origin of these blockages when braking.
“When we lock the wheels like we did today, I don't look at the driver's sideexplains the main team. I'm trying to find out why the car keeps locking the front wheels in conditions like this. I don't think pedal pressure was a significant factor. »
“We struggled with blockages throughout the weekend in wet conditions, he continues.
And with the two pilots. I think from a car perspective it's also something we need to look at. »
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The engineer did not wish to provide more details on the problem he is thinking of, for fear of disclosing information on the design of the parts concerned. However, it seems that these problems encountered are proven and that the team already knows how to overcome them.
“We will definitely look into this issue. It seems that this phenomenon appears under certain conditions,
adds Andrea Stella. I can't really comment at the risk of disclosing intellectual property information. But it's a bit unpredictable. And for the drivers, it is also difficult to adapt from one lap to the next. »
“It just comes back to a question of unpredictability. I would say this is a technical opportunity for the team rather than something for the drivers to wonder about.” concludes the Italian manager.
