McLaren insists Shanghai circuit ‘not best suited’ to MCL38 amidst intense battle with Ferrari

McLaren has so far managed to amass 69 points in the 2024 Constructors Championship.

McLaren insists Shanghai circuit ‘not best suited’ to MCL38 amidst intense battle with Ferrari

Andrea Stella and Fred Vasseur (Via: Imago)

The McLaren F1 team has kicked off its 2024 campaign in a decent fashion. After four rounds the outfit is in third place in the Constructors Championship and going ahead, is eyeing to close the gap to the Fred Vasseur-led Ferrari outfit.

However, with the extravaganza moving to Shanghai for this week’s Chinese GP, the McLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, has given a damning verdict on his team’s chances. He feels that the Shanghai International Circuit is not well suited to the MCL38 challenger!

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The Woking-based team has so far managed 69 points in the Constructors Championship.

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Of all the circuits we’ve raced at so far this year, it would seem the Shanghai International Circuit may not be the best suited to our car, and we could be met with unpredictable weather. The lack of data for all the teams could present some opportunities and challenges and we will be working hard to make sure we’re well-prepared and, in a position to capitalize where opportunities appear.
Andrea Stella said ahead of the Chinese GP

Going into the Shanghai race weekend, there are quite a few unknowns. There are question marks regarding the nature of the tarmac and the weather is also expected to play a role during the whole three-day race weekend. Stella genuinely feels that the Shanghai weekend could prove extremely tricky for his team.

Andrea Stella deems FP1 as key in deeming McLaren’s fate in Shanghai

While Andrea Stella has raised doubts regarding the suitability of the MCL38 around the 5.451 km long Shanghai circuit, he also believes that from his and other teams’ point of view, FP1 will be a major session. The last event that took place at the circuit was in 2019.

Andrea Stella
Andrea Stella (via IMAGO)

Moreover, the upcoming weekend will be run in the infamous Sprint format.

The Chinese Grand Prix is up next, as we return to Shanghai. This weekend is our first Sprint event for 2024. While this may offer more chances for points, it also adds the challenge of needing to maximise our efforts during the first practice.
Andrea Stella said in the same interview

The 53-year-old is well aware of the challenges that await the various F1 teams at the Shanghai International Racing circuit. The Sprint format has added an extra layer of pressure and keeping in view everything, the event could lead to some unexpected results.

McLaren’s 2024 rival, Ferrari, has so far managed to amass 120 points in the Constructors standings but Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will try their best to close the gap this weekend. Several eyes will be on the papaya and scarlet red challengers at the Shanghai circuit.

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