Lando Norris & Co. Reveal ‘Evolutionary’ Masterplan to Beat Max Verstappen as Elusive Glory Looks Within Reach

“I’m banking on this package.” When Andrea Stella discussed these words, everyone assumed that this update, similar to the other package brought to Azerbaijan, would marginally improve the team. However, McLaren had prepared for an assault since the team brought a Spec B version with more than 50% of the package being used for three races: the Austrian GP, British GP, and Hungarian GP following a lackluster season up until the Canadian GP. The F1 circus then took a break over the summer, and when the Woking-based squad had some time to reflect on their performance, Lando Norris and his teammates devised an evolutionary strategy to defeat Red Bull.

Taking advantage of the additional wind time for the tunnel, and after dominating rivals like Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Mercedes, it was only Max Verstappen who have impeded McLaren’s upgrading step. Nevertheless, the side has planned an evolutionary attack on Max Verstappen and Co. but how? The regulation for 2024 will probably remain the same, so unlike previous years when the teams stay focused on the following year’s car, from now on there won’t be a requirement for the sides to stop 2023 development.

The development of the MCL60 reveals an ‘evolutionary’ master strategy to defeat Max Verstappen and has received the support of Andrea Stella, team principal of McLaren, who is advancing the same concept. The engineer predicted that more development is likely to take place before the season “shuts down.”

As per a tweet by @TheMcLarenZone, Stella was found quoting, “We are definitely working on an evolution of this package. So another round of bodywork and floor we still have to sign this off. If we are successful, then we will definitely attempt to bring it to one of the events soon after the shutdown.”

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Even though Lando Norris has demonstrated his support for the squad and its plan, he, like many of us, would not have expected the progress to be so rapid and positive. While all of that was going on, the team leader took some time to give recognition to those who deserved it.

Lando Norris’ team principal Andrea Stella commends his team member: “We need to pay credit to Peter”

The Mclaren team’s season 2023 was proving to be an absolute disaster and during the first several races, both the team and its drivers were languishing at the bottom of the standings. However, because of the new upgrade package, which includes improvements to the rear wing and floors, things have turned around, with both of the team’s drivers gaining some of their most significant positions.

Considering this, Andrea Stella credits the Papaya army’s head aerodynamicist, who has also worked with Red Bull’s mastermind Adrian Newey back in 2005. Stella mentioned Peter Prodromou’s hard work and wealth of experience in the field as one of the reasons behind McLaren’s mid-season success.

As per GPFans, the Italian Engineer said, “Peter’s leadership has been exceptional since he has been given authority over aerodynamic development and reorganisation of the department. We need to pay credit to Peter because this has been done by him, supported by Giuseppe Pesce, the Director of Aerodynamics, and the rest of the Aerodynamic leadership team.”

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It now makes perfect sense why McLaren star Lando Norris expressed his faith in the Papaya team as individuals like Rob Marshall will soon join the squad with the masters.