McLaren Tempers Vegas Expectations After Tyre, Aero and Setup Fixes
Team leaders describe targeted changes from a 2024 review, cautioning that Las Vegas’ cold, low-downforce layout may still mute gains.
Overview
- Lando Norris says the Las Vegas conditions will hinder the McLaren car, calling last year one of the team’s weakest weekends.
- Andrea Stella reports actions taken on tyre management, aerodynamic efficiency when offloading rear wing, and setup choices following 2024 lessons.
- McLaren’s 2024 Vegas result was sixth and seventh, finishing 43 and 51 seconds behind winner George Russell after qualifying seven tenths off the pace.
- The Strip’s few fast corners and chilly night temperatures are expected to diminish McLaren strengths, including advantages tied to cooling.
- Rivals Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull were ahead in Vegas last year, and McLaren says only this weekend will show whether its fixes translate into competitiveness.