At the Belgian Grand Prix, McLaren unveiled a futuristic rear wing destined to shape its 2024 season.
This new rear wing, spotted on the MCL38, is the lowest downforce version McLaren has fielded this year. It’s just a glimpse of multiple options planned for different tracks.
Gone are the traditional low, medium, and high downforce categories, replaced with adaptable designs. McLaren is merging rear wing and beam wing elements to fine-tune car balance.
Close inspection reveals significant changes. The most striking is a squarer transition zone between the mainplane and endplate, impacting the airflow.
The design features a more uniform shape across the entire span, ditching the deep spoon-shaped profile common in today’s regulations.
They’ve also revamped the upper flap, enhancing performance particularly when DRS is active, shifting McLaren closer to Red Bull’s successful design philosophy.
Additionally, modifications include a resized V-shaped notch around the upper flap centerline and removal of the upwashing swage line on the endplate’s face.
These alterations have prompted additional tweaks to the beam wing and rear brake duct winglets, further enhancing aerodynamic efficiency.
McLaren’s innovative rear wing signals an exciting evolution in their design strategy, setting the stage for a thrilling 2024 season.
