McLaren warns rivals over upgrade package after nightmare weekend

An unfortunate retirement for Norris, who was also dealing with power unit issues, and a missed corner for Piastri, meant McLaren left Baku without points. Nevertheless, the reigning constructors’ champions were able to draw important conclusions about the major upgrade package for the MCL40.

Data from the team shows that the new parts are working properly. According to McLaren, the full effect of those updates simply didn’t come through in Baku. On circuits with a greater variety of corners, the team expects the improvements to be more apparent.

McLaren gets a second chance in Sepang. Formula 1 returns there for the first time since 2017, and McLaren views the Malaysian circuit as a better test for the revised MCL40. Sepang combines long straights with heavy braking zones and a range of different types of corners.

McLaren is not bringing a new major upgrade package. Senior Director Racing Randy Singh has confirmed that a few parts specific to the circuit will be brought along.

"After the substantial upgrade package we introduced in Azerbaijan, we’re not bringing much to Malaysia, although we do expect to have some circuit-specific bodywork," said Singh.

For Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, it will also be a weekend with many unknowns. Neither has ever raced a Formula 1 car at Sepang. McLaren has therefore had both drivers spend extensive time in the simulator.

The Friday practice sessions will be especially important. The team has hardly any recent data from Sepang, and Formula 1 has never driven there with this generation of cars. "Strategically, Sepang traditionally revolved around managing high tire degradation and choosing the fastest tire strategy, rather than prioritizing track position. But if overtaking under the new power unit regulations proves harder, that trade-off may change," said the McLaren engineer.

Singh also warns of an extra uncertainty factor: heavy tropical rain. "The chance of heavy afternoon rain is also a key element of our preparations, especially since there have been no competitive sessions in wet conditions under the current regulations, and Sepang can produce rain of considerable intensity."