McLaren has secured only four podium finishes in the first six Formula 1 races of the season, with no victories to their name. They currently sit third in the constructors’ standings with 141 points, trailing leaders Mercedes by a significant 121 points. Despite Lando Norris, the reigning champion, yet to claim a Grand Prix win, the British outfit is optimistic that this weekend’s Austrian Grand Prix will be the turning point they need.
“Austria has always been a track where we feel comfortable. While we don’t take anything for granted in such a closely contested field, we are optimistic. The car’s and driver’s characteristics should suit the circuit well again, allowing us to compete at the front,” stated Neil Houldey, McLaren’s Technical Director for Applied Engineering, to Sky Sports. He expressed hope that the upgrades they are introducing this weekend will make a tangible difference.
These upgrades include “minor modifications to the rear angles of the car, as well as an experimental rear wing.” According to Sky, this new rear wing will resemble the design Ferrari unveiled during pre-season, which earned the nickname ‘Macarena wing.’ This moniker stems from its ability to pivot, a movement that some observers found reminiscent of the famous 1990s Spanish song.
Technically, this means that in its high-angle position, the wing generates aerodynamic downforce in the corners. When it pivots, it improves straight-line speed. Red Bull has also presented its own version of this concept, and it is expected that McLaren will follow suit in Austria.