From Motorsport · Haydn Cobb · · 50s
McLaren Car Handling Issue Until 2027
McLaren can't fix F1 car handling until 2027 due to fundamental technical changes.
In brief
McLaren can't fix F1 car handling until 2027 due to fundamental technical changes. McLaren's F1 car handling issues require major technical changes for 2027, preventing driver adaptation until next season. Originally reported by Motorsport.
McLaren Car Handling Problem
McLaren's current F1 car handling is a challenge for drivers this season.
“Both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have felt McLaren’s current F1 car is a handful”
Team Principal Statement
Team principal Andrea Stella says fundamental car changes are needed without 2027.
“I don't expect that what's coming to the car will improve this characteristic”
Driver Adaptation Challenge
Drivers need to force car inputs rather than find natural balance this season.
“You've just got to drive it within an exact percent”
Oscar Piastri Struggles
Oscar Piastri finds car handling more difficult than Lando Norris this season.
“Oscar, at some stage, he almost lost like some of the competitiveness compared to Lando”
Technical Solution Timeline
McLaren will address car handling with new car in 2027, not this season.
“Without fundamentally changing some further aspect which we are addressing longer term and at the earliest I would say with the MCL41 for 2027”
Driver Impact
Car handling issues prevent drivers from putting together quick qualifying laps.
“It's just too difficult and it makes it impossible to put laps together in qualifying”
The bottom line
McLaren's F1 car handling issues require major technical changes for 2027, preventing driver adaptation until next season.
