 Lando Norris drives a McLaren MCL36 during the British Grand Prix | |||||||
| Category | Formula One | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | McLaren | ||||||
| Designer(s) | James Key (Technical Director) | ||||||
| Predecessor | McLaren MCL35M | ||||||
| Successor | McLaren MCL60 | ||||||
| Technical specifications[1] | |||||||
| Chassis | Carbon fibre composite with survival cell and honeycomb structure | ||||||
| Suspension (front) | Carbon fibre and steel pullrod suspension legs and elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system | ||||||
| Suspension (rear) | Carbon fibre wishbone and pushrod suspension elements operating inboard torsion bar and damper system | ||||||
| Engine | Mercedes-AMG F1 M13 E Performance 1.6 L (98 cu in) direct injection V6 turbocharged engine limited to 15,000 RPM in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout | ||||||
| Electric motor | Mercedes-AMG Kinetic and thermal energy recovery systems | ||||||
| Transmission | McLaren 8-speed + 1 reverse sequential seamless semi-automatic transmission operated via paddle shifters with limited slip epicyclic differential | ||||||
| Battery | Mercedes-AMG lithium-ion | ||||||
| Weight | 795 kg (including driver, excluding fuel) | ||||||
| Brakes | 6-piston calipers, carbon ventilated discs/pads | ||||||
| Tyres | Pirelli P Zero (dry) Pirelli Cinturato (wet) | ||||||
| Clutch | Electro-hydraulically operated, carbon multi-plate | ||||||
| Competition history | |||||||
| Notable entrants | McLaren F1 Team | ||||||
| Notable drivers | |||||||
| Debut | 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix | ||||||
| Last event | 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | ||||||
| |||||||
The McLaren MCL36 is a Formula One car that was designed under the lead of James Key and manufactured by McLaren to compete in the 2022 Formula One World Championship.[2] The MCL36 was built to the new 2022 generation of Formula One technical regulations, which were originally intended for introduction in 2021. The car was widely considered to exhibit conventional and unambitious engine packaging. However, it stood out for a unique suspension layout not seen on any Formula One car for nearly ten years, and was noted for its lack of porpoising and good mechanical reliability.
The car made its début at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, and was driven by Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris in their second and fourth years for the team, respectively. The car achieved two fastest laps and one podium finish over the course of the season, all scored by Norris. The MCL36 was the only car (and Norris the only driver) from outside the top three teams to finish on the podium in the 2022 season. However, the MCL36 is generally seen as a disappointment compared to its predecessor, the accomplished MCL35M, with inconsistent performance and a narrow operating window. Ricciardo's continued underperformance compared to Norris was also considered a significant contributing factor in McLaren's loss to Alpine in a season-long fight for fourth place in the World Constructors' Championship.
- ^ "McLaren MCL36A Technical Specification". McLaren Racing. McLaren Racing Ltd. Archived from the original on 15 February 2022. Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ "Adapt or get left behind". McLaren Racing. McLaren Racing Ltd. 18 December 2019. Archived from the original on 8 December 2020. Retrieved 1 February 2021.