New Delhi, Nov 18 (NationPress) Andrea Stella, the Team Principal of McLaren, has announced that the team has implemented significant modifications to their tyre management, aerodynamics, and car set-up following an assessment of what he referred to as “one of the most challenging races” in their 2024 season during the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Even though McLaren ranked among the top teams in the latter part of 2024, culminating in their first Teams’ Championship since 1998, the squad faced unforeseen difficulties at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit. While Mercedes achieved a dominant 1-2 finish, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri could only manage sixth and seventh places, struggling with the car's pace throughout the race.

“The Vegas race last year was exceptionally tough,” Stella remarked. “We encountered challenges with tyre performance, particularly during Qualifying where we lacked speed, and faced significant graining during the race.”

He further disclosed that the concerns were not limited to tyres; aerodynamic constraints and compromises in the car's set-up hindered the team from maximizing their performance.

“We also faced some aerodynamic challenges – when we attempted to reduce the rear wing, we noticed a loss in efficiency. Additionally, we struggled with the car's set-up in trying to counteract the graining and some understeer issues.”

The comprehensive review of the weekend provided McLaren with “an abundance of information” that they intend to apply before returning to the circuit in 2025, a race that could hold significant implications in the ongoing Drivers’ Championship contest involving Norris, Piastri, and Max Verstappen.

Consequently, Stella confirmed that McLaren has undertaken corrective measures across various aspects.

“From the perspective of tyre management, aerodynamic efficiency, and car set-up, we are now aware of the directions we need to pursue compared to last year,” he stated.

However, he emphasized that only actual on-track performance will determine the efficacy of these adjustments.

“Will these changes be sufficient for us to be competitive? We will only find out in Vegas. Nevertheless, we have certainly taken steps in response to last year's shortcomings, as the performance was not up to par.”