Is McLaren not performing well in Hungary?
McLaren's team principal, Andreas Seidl, fears that his team may not perform as well as in Austria and Silverstone, as the Hungaroring does not suit the characteristics of the MCL35M.
This weekend, McLaren will face a new challenge. While the British team is achieving solid performances at the beginning of the year, the Hungarian Grand Prix could tarnish this first half of the season.
With its many slow corners, the Hungarian hairpin is compared to the Monaco layout. However, according to Andreas Seidl, this type of circuit is not suitable for the McLaren MCL35M, as these circuits favor traction on corner exit.
In order to maximize their chances, the McLaren’s main team stated that they were working closely with the engineers at Mercedes HPP, before heading to Hungary, to find solutions to their issues.
The Hungaroring presents the team with an interesting challenge compared to the relatively fast tracks of Austria and Silverstone. With high downforce levels and a twisty layout, it is not surprising that many describe it as the Monaco circuit without the walls,” explains Andreas Seidl.
« The team, with Lando (Norris) and Daniel (Ricciardo), has done a fantastic job so far in putting us in this position in the constructors’ championship, but we know that the fight is far from over and this momentum could be halted with any difficult issue during a weekend.
« The challenges posed by the Hungaroring may not suit our car as much as the other circuits on the calendar, but a large part of the battle for third place this year will be decided by our performances on tracks that do not naturally play to our strengths. »
« We are working hard, alongside Mercedes HPP, to ensure that we maximize all the opportunities that will arise during the weekend.
While McLaren is dreading a difficult weekend on a track that is comparable to Monaco, the team based in Woking had managed, thanks to Lando Norris, to step on the podium in the principality.
