McLaren Find Sweet Spot As F1 Opponents Struggle With 2022 Regulations

McLaren seemed to have an answer to the ‘porpoising’ effect caused in pre-season testing. Now, it has reportedly become an easy proposition for other teams to replicate. The team’s drivers seemed to face no issues with the bouncing phenomenon on straights. However, the likes of Mercedes and Red Bull were facing these issues throughout the three days of testing.

Now, a report has come out stating that other teams can easily use McLaren’s work to avoid the issue in the new 2022 cars. The report stated, “McLaren have found a way to stop the floor from fluttering and still drive low.”

“There is a long slot parallel to the edge on the rear part of the floor plate, which is supposed to prevent pumping because it gives the air an escape route when the floor bends downwards. This opinion is shared by other teams. Haas took a big step towards solving the problem with a similar solution on the second day of testing.”

Despite a budget cap, teams will not find it tough to use McLaren’s work to avoid the problem.

Ferrari and McLaren were the two teams that found a solution for the issue, resulting in better lap timings in Barcelona.

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How did McLaren Avoid the ‘Porpoising Issue?

Apart from a few occasions, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Daniel Ricciardo hardly encountered any bouncing while testing over the three days at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. McLaren technical director James Key admitted that an aerodynamical change helped fix the issue.

However, Key also stated that the ‘porpoising’ could continue to be a problem throughout the season. The teams will have another round of testing in Bahrain, a week before the season opener. McLaren’s new MCL 36 has also clocked impressive lap timings in the first series of testing.

With the new regulations, it is difficult to predict which teams will stand out. Ferrari and McLaren have emerged as surprise contenders to the ‘big teams’ with less than 20 days to go. The 2022 season promises to be one of the most anticipated seasons in recent times.

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