Analysis: How does the MCL35 compare to its predecessors?

McLaren have just launched the MCL35M, their new car for 2021. It is of course not entirely new, because like the other teams, the car is a further development of its predecessor. The photos clearly show how the switch to the Mercedes engine and the new guidelines from the FIA have influenced the design.

Smaller car thanks to Mercedes engine

From the front view, one thing generally stands out and that is that the MCL35M is marginally narrower than its predecessor. This is visible both at the nose and next to the cockpit. McLaren were able to make a slightly narrower chassis because the Mercedes engine takes up less space than the Renault engine.

We also see the difference at the back when we look at the car from above. Apart from the bulge halfway up the bonnet, the car is a bit narrower at its widest point (at the sidepods and directly behind it).

What is most striking in this image is of course the change to the floor. A whole piece of it has been cut off. That's a guideline from the FIA ​​in an attempt to slow down the cars. So we will see this again with all teams, but it is striking how bare the car is there now. All slots and fins also had to disappear there.

Clear cutting can also be clearly seen at the diffuser

That baldness is even more noticeable at the rear of the car. The complex diffuser has been almost completely polished off. All that's left is a simple rectangular, upside-down container. Just like the floor for the rear wheels, we will also see this with the other teams. Below you can first see the diffuser from 2020 and then again below the diffuser for 2021.

Apart from those major changes, the car has remained fairly the same. The teams are therefore quite limited in their freedom for this season. We can see that the aerodynamic parts on the nose, bargeboards and wing-end plates have become even more complex since the launch of the car last year.