There are only few Formula 1 teams that have not launched their 2011 challengers including HRT and Virgin. That number has reduced with the launch of McLaren’s MP4-26 in Berlin yesterday. In terms of livery, it would be difficult to notice any changes compared to the 2010 car. It looks very much the same albeit some changes on the vehicle design.
The most notable change is the unique U-shaped sidepod. The Woking-based team claims that the radical sidepod design feeds more air efficiently to the MP4-26’s rear end, thus increasing downforce. The team says that this makes up for the absence of the double diffuser system following a ban imposed for this season.
“We want to get the rear-end working as well as possible following the loss of performance caused by the banning of the double-diffuser. Once again, we’ve really pushed the car’s cooling configuration: we’ve got a second air intake on the engine cover for gearbox and hydraulic cooling,” said McLaren Engineering Director Tim Goss.
Other features include a long wheelbase, a modified airbox and nose, a central-mounted rear exhaust system as well as other aerodynamic features that comply with the new set of rules. Just like its rivals, McLaren has also opted for KERS which was last seen in 2009 and an active rear wing, which is a moveable rear wing that can be manually operated from the steering wheel. There are also the Pirelli tires.
The team will perform a shakedown during a private test session at the Idiada Ground in Spain on 8th February. This will be followed by further testing along with other teams in Jerez which begins on 10th February. Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button will race the MP4-26 this year. Continue reading to view an image gallery.
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why don’t they shape the Pirelli font at the tyres curve according the tyres shape?
most of the teams I’ve seen so far prefer much more slim sidepod and tight rear end especially wiliams FW33 and RB7 Red Bull but this MP4-26 look so big and heavy.
anyway.. next week testing in jerez we’ll see this mp4-26 in action..
The U shaped sidepod really caught my attention. I think it’s for the clean airflow to the lower rear wing.
Looks more like ‘L'(ewis) & ‘J'(enson) shaped sidepods to me. :-D
I’m just suspecting mclaren not show all their weapons yet yesterday…
what a very big sidepod McLaren have.. fainted!
nah not turn ‘on’ enough just a moose chrome… lotusrenault gp FEE (front exhaust exit) more unique
mclaren also has very similar FEE but they still in hiding process
it’s not FEE but some variation of EBD (exhaus back difuser) like redbull but you never know anything is possible, :) but i doubt it ;p
but still mclaren still hiding their most innovative weapons until bahrain race…maybe create ‘buzz’ just like F-duct like year…
Hopeful that Button, Hamilton and the MP4-26 are solid contenders for the upcoming season :)
Whoa, that looks menacing… Gud luck Brits! Go race an exciting season!! :D
On a McLaren-related news, Button echoes my concern about favoritism: http://thestar.com.my/sports/story.asp?file=/2011/2/6/sports/8012440&sec=sports
Damn straight he hit the bullseye. Remember when Vettel tried to overtake Webber at Turkey GP last year, but ended up with nothing while Webber dropped to third? That race too was when Button and Hamilton showed how to race teammates properly?
As a Vettel fan, I was very sad and kinda annoyed by their cockiness, but in the end, that fueled an extreme sense of achievement and satisfaction when Vettel finally won the championship. And at the same time, I felt a greater sense of respect for the McLaren boys. Beats having to hear “Hamilton is faster than you, can you confirm you understood that message?” anytime. Somehow, I feel I can finally forgive McLaren for their dismal reliability during Kimi Raikkonen’s time.
Then there’s Webber going emo feeling he’s being treated as no2, even sarcastically making that radio “not bad for a number two” when he won at British GP? But Red Bull showed by their actions that they’re far more equal to their drivers than Ferrari. If he’s in Ferrari, there’s no friggin way he can be a championship contender until the last race. I feel very sorry for him, but he only had himself to blame when he couldn’t nail it at Abu Dhabi. Vettel even voluntarily offered to give way if circumstances favor Webber to be the champion, mathematically impossible for himself, and able to prevent Alonso from being the champion. But all three conditions are not met, so Vettel had to go on and win it, and Webber inadvertently helped to distract Ferrari into making a pit mistake for Alonso. And thanks a lot to Petrov too!! I’m kinda glad Webber is already over it, on good terms with Vettel and his team, and I wish he can improve himself to win the championship this year.
To sum it up, as someone who supports driver first, team second, I feel favoritism is a major turnoff. My fear is that team order will be used to allow favoritism to take place. Legalising it means Ferrari may continue to bully its second driver, while other teams may start to do so and thus, killing excitement in F1 totally. Do not want.
This car is definately a 2011 winning car. Should not miss it at Sepang and seems like McLaren is still hiding something since they wasted the 1st testing in Jerez using the interim car.