Mclaren-Honda MP4-30 *** 2015 Launch Thread

smr · 29 Jan 2015 at 12:27

Glad they sorted out the weight allowance this year, Jenson must be a bit heavier than Alonso!

I agree it's in keeping with the recent Mclarens, some of the mock ups look good but some with the orange etc. were just never going to happen.

smr · 29 Jan 2015 at 12:30

smr · 29 Jan 2015 at 16:10

As I saw Ted say on Twitter earlier - there's still time to change it... wouldn't be surprised if it is, probably due to fan reaction more than anything internal.

smr · 29 Jan 2015 at 17:29

Looking forward to seeing what scarbs has to say nearer Jerez and during the test.

smr · 29 Jan 2015 at 21:07

Scarbs has done an analysis... 29 p though or subs...

http://plus.autosport.com/premium/f...n-mp430/?_ga=1.69545808.1506622114.1418377687

smr · 29 Jan 2015 at 21:28

So Scarb's analysis, well worth a read... hope I'm not breaking any rules by saying that a few designs have gone back to conventions (good thing), some clever little details on the car to improve air flow and info on the engine being reportedly stronger than Merc's 2014... copying the same principles in design, split turbo, low heat rejection yadayada.

smr · 4 Feb 2015 at 09:24

So shirt swinger and Hamilton have split, again zzzzz

smr · 5 Feb 2015 at 12:57

utajoker said:
what does this have to do with mclaren?

thought i was in OT thread when I posted it

smr · 6 Mar 2015 at 12:28

I'll wait for a Scarbs analysis.

smr · 7 Mar 2015 at 13:34

http://www.spreaker.com/user/f1_fans_updates/technical-world-of-f1-2015-with-scarbsf1

Scarbs saying the packaging of the MP4-30 is a year ahead of anyone else. (from 28:45)

smr · 9 Mar 2015 at 10:45

OldCoals said:
Given that McLaren are one year behind Mercedes at least it means very little.

It means quite a lot tbh. Next year McLaren could be mighty, hopefully the PU will be strong, aided with the tight aerodynamics washing over the size zero rear end.

smr · 9 Mar 2015 at 13:14

AGD said:
Ok I'm a bit confused.

McLaren is meant to have the best body (zero size rear end) but everyone seems to think they're gonna be rubbish this year and have no pace, so can someone fill me in?

Is their aero rubbish (despite the back)?
Is it the engine?

Or is reliability so bad we just don't think they'll finish any race?

The engine and performance from it is an unknown quantity. Reliability is proving to be a known quantity though, and it's not very good. The Mercs / Red Bull and Ferrari etc. are developing on last year's cars and haven't been standing still, and with all the mileage they were able to clock up in testing means that they are going to be able to develop the car with performance related aero updates.

Problem for Mclaren is that hardly any mileage was clocked and the PUs (unlike Merc's) haven't been driven under stress at full load, which will probably produce further reliability problems for McLaren. Also a year behind on current regs, limited engine supply this season (4 I think instead of 5 last year) and the new teaming up with Honda and learning to work with eachother again doesn't set McLaren up for any advantages.

smr · 9 Mar 2015 at 16:16

The good news is that Mclaren are reknown for developing at an exponential rate, podiums and wins at the end of the season could be feasible if all the stars align. We'll have to wait and see, personally I'd be happy with a finish in the points this weekend though.