The MCL60 was developed under the new generation of technical regulations introduced in the 2022 season. Its predecessor, the MCL36, had shown initial promise but suffered from brake overheating issues that hampered its development. While the team initially considered continuing the numbering scheme established in 1981 with the McLaren MP4/1 (later switching to MCL in 2017), McLaren named the car the MCL60 to commemorate 60 years since Bruce McLaren founded the team in 1963. Technical director James Key initially aimed for less in-season development with the MCL60 compared to the MCL36, but realized in September 2022 that regulation changes to floor height would negatively impact the car’s design philosophy, necessitating a new concept. This new concept wasn’t mature enough for launch and was delayed for introduction during the season. Team principal Andreas Seidl, who was originally set to leave at the end of 2025 for the incoming Audi project, departed in mid-December 2022 to join Sauber, and was immediately replaced by Andrea Stella.
At its launch, the MCL60 was considered an evolution of the MCL36, retaining the unusual front pullrod, rear pushrod suspension layout. It featured tighter sidepod geometry with a more aggressive undercut, intended to free up space for ground effect inlet tunnels. The radiator inlet on the engine cover was lengthened, resembling the design seen on the 2022 Ferrari F1-75, and the floor edge cut-out was shifted forward. The team initially focused on addressing the shortcomings of the MCL36, namely aerodynamics and tyre management. However, the launch car was "[n]ot entirely happy" according to Stella, with substantial upgrades planned beginning with the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. These upgrades, the last produced under Key’s leadership, involved a new floor and circuit-specific rear wing. Later upgrades, delivered starting with the Austrian Grand Prix, included changes to almost all aerodynamic surfaces, including sidepods, bodywork, and floor. A particularly notable change was the introduction of a deeper channel in the sidepod bodywork, along with a new sidepod air inlet, and a redesigned floor with new fence arrangements. The car also featured a new halo design. McLaren utilized a vinyl wrap instead of paint for the livery, reducing weight and improving aerodynamic efficiency. The MCL60 featured an advertising scheme developed by Seamless Digital using e-ink displays, allowing for dynamic advertising changes.
The MCL60 made its competitive debut at the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix. Early races were marked by uncompetitive performance and reliability issues. In Bahrain, Norris completed six pit stops due to pneumatic pressure loss from the Mercedes power unit, finishing seventeenth. The Saudi Arabian Grand Prix saw a collision between Piastri and Pierre Gasly, causing damage to Piastri’s front wing, and debris from the collision struck Norris’ car, requiring both to pit. The Australian Grand Prix brought the first points of the season, with Norris finishing seventh and Piastri ninth. The Azerbaijan Grand Prix saw the introduction of the first major upgrade package, but yielded ninth and eleventh place finishes. The team made a conscious choice to use all sets of softs allocated for Norris and prioritise starting position for the race. Following the Miami Grand Prix, the team focused on improving performance.
A significant turning point came with the Austrian Grand Prix, where Norris received approximately half of a substantial upgrade package. This marked an improvement in the team’s results. Further upgrades were introduced at the British Grand Prix. The MCL60 secured a sprint victory for Piastri at the Qatar Grand Prix, with Norris finishing third in the sprint and second in the Grand Prix. The car’s performance continued to improve, but it still exhibited comparatively poorer tyre management and tricky handling. The MCL60 finished the season with Norris in sixth and Piastri in ninth in the World Drivers’ Championship, and McLaren in fourth in the World Constructors’ Championship.
The MCL60 was also used as a test mule for Pirelli’s 2026 tyre development, with multiple testing sessions throughout 2024 and 2025. These tests involved modifications to the car to simulate the characteristics of the 2026 regulations.
Source: Wikipedia article "McLaren MCL60". This article is based solely on the supplied Wikipedia article. No external sources were consulted, including primary archives, autobiographies, period programmes, or specialist publications.
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