.jpg) Lando Norris driving an MCL60 during the Austrian Grand Prix. | |||||||
| Category | Formula One | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Constructor | McLaren | ||||||
| Designer(s) | James Key (Technical Director, initial specification only) Peter Prodromou and Neil Houdley (updated specification) | ||||||
| Predecessor | McLaren MCL36 | ||||||
| Successor | McLaren MCL38 | ||||||
| Technical specifications[1] | |||||||
| Chassis | Carbon fibre composite | ||||||
| Suspension (front) | Carbon fibre and titanium pullrod suspension legs operating inboard torsion bar and damper system | ||||||
| Suspension (rear) | Carbon fibre and titanium pushrod suspension legs operating inboard torsion bar and damper system | ||||||
| Engine | Mercedes-AMG F1 M14 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 friction clutch epicyclic differential | ||||||
| Battery | Lithium-ion battery | ||||||
| Weight | 798 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 | 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix | ||||||
| Last event | 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | ||||||
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The McLaren MCL60 is a Formula One car designed and constructed by McLaren, initially under the direction of James Key, to compete in the 2023 Formula One World Championship.
The car made its competitive début at the 2023 Bahrain Grand Prix. It was driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, Norris for his fifth season with McLaren and Piastri in his rookie year. The initial specification of the MCL60 proved uncompetitive, exhibiting inefficient and draggy aerodynamic performance and high tyre degradation. Its poor performance led to Key's departure from the team in March 2023, and he was replaced by a new structure of technical directors. Peter Prodromou and Neil Houldey took over development of the MCL60. An upgrade package delivered at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, the fourth round of the season, was the final development produced under Key's leadership.
Beginning with the Austrian Grand Prix, the ninth round of the championship, the new technical leadership delivered a significant upgrade package to the car, which began a marked improvement in the team's results. Another substantial package was delivered at the Singapore Grand Prix. Once the initial Austrian–British package had been fitted, the MCL60 went on to achieve nine podiums and three fastest laps in Grands Prix. Further, the car achieved two sprint poles and four sprint podiums including one victory. By the season's end, the MCL60 was noted as a capable and competitive all-rounder and the only consistent challenger to Red Bull Racing's dominant RB19. Its remaining shortcomings were primarily its comparatively poorer tyre management and tricky handling. The change in design direction has been praised as highly effective and successful to a degree not seen in modern Formula One, and appeared to influence the development programs of several other teams.
- ^ "McLaren MCL60 technical specification". McLaren Racing. Woking: McLaren Racing Ltd. 13 February 2023. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 13 February 2023.