<< Prev Page 2 of 2 In order to get a better understanding of the new tyres, McLaren decided to run the old car during the first official test session. The MP4-26 was launched a few days later and was used in the following sessions. These would turn out to be far from trouble-free and the MP4-26 would rack up the least miles of all top teams' cars. A major contributor to the problems was a complicated exhaust system that directed the high-velocity gasses onto the floor well forward in an attempt to generate additional downforce. Unfortunately the MP4-26 ended the tests showing both a lack of pace and reliability.
Once again showcasing their ability to turn things around, the McLaren engineers at Woking developed a heavily revised package ahead of the season opening Australian Grand Prix. The upgrade made a night and day difference and the MP4-26 was in the sharp end of the standings for the first time of the year. Red Bull still had a clear advantage but McLaren emerged as the second team with Hamilton and Button finishing second respectively in the opening two Grands Prix. All pieces fell into place in China where a cunning strategy and a great drive saw Hamilton claim the MP4-26's first win at its third outing. A month earlier few would have believed that to have been only remotely possible. << Prev Page 2 of 2
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In order to get a better understanding of the new tyres, McLaren decided to run the old car during the first official test session. The MP4-26 was launched a few days later and was used in the following sessions. These would turn out to be far from trouble-free and the MP4-26 would rack up the least miles of all top teams' cars. A major contributor to the problems was a complicated exhaust system that directed the high-velocity gasses onto the floor well forward in an attempt to generate additional downforce. Unfortunately the MP4-26 ended the tests showing both a lack of pace and reliability.