Lando Norris is testing a revised front suspension at Formula 1’s Canadian Grand Prix that McLaren hopes will help both its drivers overcome a “numb” feeling they have complained of at times.
As part of its upgrade submission for this weekend’s race at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, McLaren revealed that it is introducing updated front suspension geometry.
The team stated that it was: “A small modification to the front suspension geometry which comes with an updated aerodynamic surface, to accommodate the geometry change and reoptimize local flow conditioning.”
The change comes with both Norris and team-mate Oscar Piastri having struggled at times this season to extract the most from the MCL39 – especially in qualifying.
McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has openly talked about the feeling that the drivers are getting from the front axle as being “relatively numb”.
Speaking about this characteristic at a recent race, he added: "It means that the drivers have to sort of apply some judgement which is not necessarily based on 'this is what I'm feeling, therefore this is how I'm going to adapt'.
“It's more based on what happened in a previous lap, if that makes sense? Which is not a comfortable position to be for a Formula 1 driver. You really like to have very clear information coming from your car.”
He added: “It's a car that doesn't give you much cueing, which is the technical word we use.
“And this means that it's not easy for our drivers to repeat some peak performances that we can see in the visual laps.”
The idea behind the suspension change is to help improve the predictability that they feel – especially under braking which is an area that Norris in particular has struggled more with compared to Piastri so far this season.
McLaren’s chase to try to give the drivers a more consistent platform has also extended to the front wing, with a new version due to be tried out in Canada practice too.
The team says the new wing is aimed at: “improved aerodynamic performance across a wide range of attitudes, through a redesign of main elements as well as introduction of 'mermaid tails' to the front.”
While Norris is testing the new suspension specification on Friday, the squad is clear that the modifications are aimed at helping lift the overall performance of the car – and are not about helping one driver over another.
McLaren's priority is to make both drivers get as comfortable as possible in the car by being given the best feedback they can from the front suspension.
Should the Friday test prove encouraging, then McLaren could carry the specification through to the remainder of the weekend – with it available to both drivers if wanted.
