'Brute force aerodynamics' seems to make 2022 McLaren easier to drive

Technical director of the McLaren F1 team James Key describes the new 2022 aerodynamic package as "brute-force aerodynamics" and states that this new package makes the cars seem a bit easier to drive so far.

Key says the 2022 cars - with the center of gravity of the aerodynamics built primarily around the 'ground effect' rather than around the higher parts of the car - are a lot more stable vehicles. For McLaren, that's a good sign, as Daniel Ricciardo struggled at times last year with the McLaren's 'peculiar character'. The greater stability will hopefully also deliver an easier driving experience.

2022 car a lot more stable

Speaking to The-Race.com the McLaren chief states, "There might be some areas where we need to improve a bit, but overall this car seems easier to drive. If you look at the way we create downforce, we have massive 'brute-force' parts; a massive front wing, a massive floor that is very powerful and there's much less complexity." Key expects to have a more stable vehicle with the big parts, 'the brute-force aerodynamics,' because all those small details from previous years can cause ambiguity.

Since many more parts are standardized this year and the workspace on the rest of the aerodynamic package has been drastically reduced, stability, as Key says, will improve considerably. The rules apply to every team, so the competition is expected to be a lot more exciting and the drivers will be much closer together this year.