The MCL36 was built to the new 2022 generation of Formula One technical regulations, originally intended for introduction in 2021 but delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. McLaren’s switch to Mercedes engines was planned to coincide with these new regulations, with planning for the 2022 car beginning in early 2019 and active development starting in 2020. Aerodynamic development was paused from March 28, 2020, to December 31, 2020, before restarting in January 2021. Manufacturing of chassis and gearbox components was underway by July 2021. James Key, hired from Toro Rosso in early 2019, oversaw the design of the MCL36, his first completely original car for the team. Key called the development of the 2022 car's larger and less intricate surfaces a significant departure from the more specific and detailed development allowed in previous years.
The MCL36 was noted for its conventional, tight engine packaging. However, it stood out for a unique suspension layout not seen on a Formula One car for nearly ten years, featuring pull-rod front suspension and push-rod rear suspension, as featured on the McLaren MP4-28. This change maximized downforce produced by the Venturi tunnels and ground effects by allowing unimpeded airflow in and out of the car’s air inlets, increasing the volume of air moved through the floor. The floor featured an L-shaped edge wing and a ridged underfloor, a design element eventually emulated by other teams, notably Ferrari on the F1-75. The car also featured more vibrant, fluorescent shades of papaya orange and blue, inspired by the positive fan reaction to the MCL35M’s one-off Gulf livery. Special liveries were also introduced in collaboration with sponsors OKX for the Singapore and Japanese Grands Prix, and Vuse for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
At the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, the MCL36’s debut, Daniel Ricciardo qualified eighteenth and finished fourteenth, while Lando Norris qualified thirteenth and finished fifteenth. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix saw Norris finish seventh, while Ricciardo did not finish the race, retiring with undiagnosed mechanical issues. The Australian Grand Prix marked a significant improvement, with Norris qualifying fourth and finishing fifth, and Ricciardo qualifying seventh and finishing sixth.
The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix saw Norris achieve the MCL36’s sole podium finish, securing third place. However, Ricciardo understeered into Sainz, ending the latter’s race and suffering diffuser damage himself, finishing eighteenth. At the Miami Grand Prix, both drivers retired after a collision with Pierre Gasly. The Spanish Grand Prix saw Norris finish eighth and Ricciardo twelfth. At the Monaco Grand Prix, Norris finished sixth and set the fastest lap, while Ricciardo finished twelfth.
Mid-season rounds brought further inconsistency. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw team orders implemented, which were criticized for being ineffective and compromising both drivers’ pace. The Canadian Grand Prix was marred by pit stop errors and brake issues. McLaren announced that no further major upgrades would be introduced due to the budget cap. The Austrian Grand Prix saw an engine failure for Norris, and the French Grand Prix featured a substantial upgrade package with a dramatically altered sidepod design, aiming to improve aerodynamic efficiency. The MCL36’s performance continued to fluctuate throughout the remainder of the season, with further upgrades introduced at various races.
Norris finished seventh in the Drivers' Championship, while Ricciardo finished eleventh. McLaren ultimately finished fifth in the World Constructors’ Championship, losing out to Alpine.
Following the 2022 season, the MCL36 was used in private tests, including development work for the 2023 season. The car was tested with 2023 Pirelli compounds and served as a platform for evaluating new components and configurations. The extensive testing program, involving drivers Oscar Piastri, Ryō Hirakawa, and others, contributed to the development of McLaren's subsequent designs. The data gathered from the MCL36 informed the design of the MCL60.
Works cited
Wittich, Steve; Youson, Matt (2023). Almeida, Sophie; Yeomans, Georgina (eds.). McLaren Racing 2022 Yearbook. Woking: McLaren Racing Ltd.
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