Filisetti sees downforce distribution as key to McLaren’s Brazil performance

RacingNews365 technical expert Paolo Filisetti says McLaren’s new package played a key role in the MCL40’s performance in Brazil. He identifies downforce distribution as the upgrade’s biggest contribution at Interlagos and also points to the agility of the car’s very short wheelbase.

Lando Norris’s victory showed how competitive the MCL40 could be at São Paulo. Interlagos combines medium-speed corners with the long start-finish straight; its final turns make top speed less decisive for overall performance. Filisetti says the circuit’s cornering profile suited McLaren. The MCL40 is known for relatively high drag.

At Interlagos, McLaren introduced a new front wing, rear wing and beam wing, together with a further-developed floor. The package aimed to generate more downforce and distribute it more effectively for better balance. The changes also partly anticipate the concept shift planned for 2027.

Some of the package may be carried over to McLaren’s 2027 car, Filisetti says. The new concept is planned around a wheelbase roughly 15 centimetres longer than the MCL40’s, a change that will significantly alter downforce distribution. Its aerodynamic maps will therefore not be directly comparable with those of the current car.