Unfortunately for both the team and its fans, the MP4-30‘s new front end had a really bad date with Kimi Raikkonen’s Ferrari during the Austrian Grand Prix.
In fact, we didn’t even get the chance to see it in action properly – though Alonso had gotten off to a pretty good start before crashing at the exit of Turn 2.
Nevertheless, McLaren now has not just a new look (new livery recently introduced as well) but also a new front end design (new nose, front wing plus new floor and diffuser). The wing itself heavily resembles what Red Bull & Williams use, though perhaps it looks a bit more like the Red Bull nose.
The aero updates too a while to arrive because it’s much harder to pass a crash test with a shorter nose than with a longer one, which meant that the team had to create a more resistant inner structure.
Performance-wise, the new nose should create better airflow towards the rear of the car, improving the functionality of the rear wing and the diffuser.
We’re curious to see how both McLarens will perform at Silverstone, though that being a very fast track, we don’t expect their cars to magically produce more power. We’ll get a good sense of where they’re at in Hungary – where you need more downforce than flat out speed.
As for the aesthetics, what do you guys think? Do you like the new-look McLaren or preferred the long nose version?
PHOTO GALLERY
