F1 News: McLaren Hides Key Design Elements From Car Reveal

McLaren's strategic concealment of key design elements in the MCL38 reveal suggests a competitive edge and innovative approach to the upcoming F1 season.

The unveiling of McLaren's MCL38 was a let down for many F1 enthusiasts who love to pick apart the aero devices a team may be teasing, as the Woking squad chose to conceal several aspects of the car's design. Unlike last year, when details were freely shared, this time around, with higher expectations set, McLaren has opted for secrecy.

Key Takeaways:

• McLaren released only three official photos of the MCL38, with evidence of digital alterations to hide specific design elements.
• A new wing element, not visible in the initial images, was spotted in a video from the car's shakedown, hinting at McLaren's innovative design approach.

ICYMI last night, @McLarenF1 have added a wing to the sidepod / mirror area of the #MCL38
Added context in the tweets below .#F1 #F1Tech https://t.co/amlslxdr4h pic.twitter.com/uTKMeSbEgy

— Craig Scarborough (@ScarbsTech) February 15, 2024

In a departure from their previous approach, McLaren has taken a more guarded stance with the introduction of their latest Formula 1 contender, the MCL38. This year, fans were only treated to a handful of images, with the team's engineers going to lengths to digitally obscure sensitive details, particularly around the underbody and suspension components.

Curious discrepancies in the underbody's edge across different photographs hinted at the alterations, sparking intrigue and speculation among the F1 community. This is likely due to car being expected to have a much higher level of performance this coming season compared to last. 

The intrigue deepened when an Instagram story from Oscar Piastri on the Mclaren account from the car's shakedown at Silverstone revealed a previously unseen wing element in front of the sidepod. This component, overlooked in the initial official photos due to strategic angles and cropping, drew comparisons to Mercedes' sidepod extension from the previous season, potentially influenced by Rob Marshall who has recently joined the team from Red Bull. 

Later today the RB20 will be revealed, and judging from the spy shots we've already seen from the car's shakedown at the famous Silverstone Circuit, it will bring plenty of new aerodynamic devices to swoon over, including a very interesting looking sidepod inlet.