McLaren Brings Technical Upgrades and Rookie Drivers to Hungarian Grand Prix
McLaren will debut a suite of technical updates at the 2024 Hungarian Grand Prix, including a revised rear-wing configuration, as the team continues its development push. Alongside these on-track tests, the team will field rookie Leonardo Fornaroli for his maiden Formula 1 Free Practice 1 (FP1) appearance, joining a wider trend of teams utilizing mandatory young driver sessions at the Hungaroring.
McLaren’s Aerodynamic Development Strategy
McLaren is set to trial a new rear-wing design during the opening practice session at the Hungaroring. According to reports from Autosport, the team has developed a “Macarena-style” rear-wing assembly, a configuration that has previously appeared in the paddock but has yet to see competitive use. While the team plans to evaluate the wing’s performance against their current-spec components, The Race indicates that the design is not currently intended for a full race-weekend debut, serving instead as a data-gathering exercise to refine future aerodynamic packages for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Rookie Participation in FP1
The Hungarian Grand Prix weekend will feature a significant influx of young talent during Friday’s opening practice. Formula 1 regulations mandate that each team must dedicate two FP1 sessions per season to drivers who have started no more than two Grands Prix. He joins a cohort of young drivers stepping into primary seats for the session, as teams look to satisfy the FIA’s rookie requirements while gathering baseline data for their respective upgrade programs.
Technical Stakes at the Hungaroring
Key Facts for the Hungarian GP Weekend
- Driver Lineup: Leonardo Fornaroli will participate in FP1, fulfilling part of the team’s mandatory rookie session quota.