From Autosport · Jake Boxall-Legge · · 1m 10s
McLaren Clarifies Norris Straightline Speed Issue
McLaren explains Lando Norris' recurring straightline speed deficit in qualifying after Bahrain GP.
In brief
McLaren explains Lando Norris' recurring straightline speed deficit in qualifying after Bahrain GP. McLaren reports Lando Norris' power unit lacks straightline speed, costing him 0.1-0.2s per lap in Bahrain GP qualifying. Originally reported by Autosport.
McLaren explains Norris straightline speed issue
Lando Norris' lack of straightline speed at the end of straights affected his performance in Azerbaijan Grand Prix qualifying and resurfaced in Malaysia.
Norris reports straightline speed deficit
Norris confirmed he is slower at the end of every straight, causing a consistent lap time loss during qualifying.
“I'm just down on every single straight, so every time I get a good exit, I'm just slower at the end of the straight. It just hurts seeing this every single time.”
Stella explains power unit issue
McLaren's Andrea Stella identified a lack of straightline speed in Norris' Mercedes power unit, costing between 0.1-0.2s per lap.
Quantifying the speed deficit
The deficit translates to 1-2 km/h, causing a lap time loss of 0.1-0.2 seconds per lap in qualifying.
Stella clarifies power unit causes
The issue may stem from power unit deployment, chassis dynamics, or aerodynamic drag, not directly from the power unit.
Next steps for McLaren
McLaren will implement changes for Singapore Grand Prix but cannot address the issue before that event.
The main idea
McLaren reports Lando Norris' power unit lacks straightline speed, costing him 0.1-0.2s per lap in Bahrain GP qualifying.
