Page 1 of 1 The first Formula 1 of 2021 to break cover is the McLaren MCL35M. As the name suggests, it is an evolution of the car used in the 2020 season but with a crucial change in the engine department. Instead of running the Renault power unit used during the three previous seasons, McLaren have come full circle in 2021 and returned to the Mercedes-Benz fray.
The reason why the 2021 McLaren is still only a variation of the existing design is due to the regulations. As a result of the global pandemic, the sport agreed to limit the development for the new season with a token system. As McLaren had already agreed to switch engine suppliers before the pandemic, it was forced to used most of the tokens available to accommodate for the different power unit.
While built to the same regulations, the two engines are actually quite different, especially from a packaging perspective. Where Renault use a conventional turbocharger, the Mercedes-AMG power-unit has a split turbo. The turbine is mounted behind the engine and is connected to a separate compressor at the front of the V6 through a shaft. This configuration allows for a larger compressor and is one of the reasons why the British-built German engine has been so successful.
With the compressor mounted ahead of the engine, it had to be installed slightly further away from the monocoque chassis that was carried over from 2020 as per the regulations. This may have made the MCL35M slightly longer than its predecessor. Changes to the cooling arrangements will have had effects on the aerodynamics. As has a rule change, which calls for a simpler floor that is tapered to the rear.
In addition to a new engine, there is also a change in the cockpit as the team managed to sign multiple Grand Prix winning driver Daniel Ricciardo to join Lando Norris. Despite all the changes, the McLaren team got off to a great start to the 2021 season with both cars finishing in the points at each of the first four rounds of the World Championship. Norris scored a podium finish by placing third in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola in the MCL35M's second outing.
For round five, the Monaco Grand Prix, the McLaren team revealed a one-off livery, bringing the legendary Gulf colours back to the sport. Page 1 of 1
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The first Formula 1 of 2021 to break cover is the McLaren MCL35M. As the name suggests, it is an evolution of the car used in the 2020 season but with a crucial change in the engine department. Instead of running the Renault power unit used during the three previous seasons, McLaren have come full circle in 2021 and returned to the Mercedes-Benz fray.