McLaren MP4-24

With an unprecedented series of rule changes introduced ahead of the 2009 season, the new Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 represents a significant departure from its world championship-winning predecessor.

Incorporating new bodywork regulations and the much-heralded return of slick tires, the team’s new challenger not only looks radical but also incorporates a host of new innovative features under the skin, such as a sophisticated kinetic energy recovery system (KERS).

While still retaining the distinctive family look established with both the MP4-22 and MP4-23, this year’s car is visually very different from its predecessors as a result of two main factors:

Aerodynamics

McLaren MP4-24

This year’s aerodynamic regulations were framed by the FIA and the Overtaking Working Group (helmed by Vodafone McLaren Mercedes engineering director Paddy Lowe, Ferrari’s Rory Byrne and Renault’s Pat Symonds) which met throughout 2007 in order to address the issues affecting passing in Formula 1.

The OWG’s influence can be most clearly seen around the front wing, which has been widened, and the rear wing – which is now more compact. Other factors affecting aerodynamics include the banning of ancillary appendages, the addition of driver-adjustable front-wing flaps and a heavily revised diffuser.

KERS

The MP4-24’s KERS device has been developed in collaboration with McLaren and Mercedes-Benz HighPerformanceEngines, which has been developing and refining the system for almost two years. The device enables the car to recover energy under braking, store the energy for a lap and release it when the driver presses a button on the steering wheel.

With a fully optimized KERS device’s output capped at 400kJ (discharging 80bhp boost for 6.7s per lap), the development team’s primary focus has already shifted to further improving the unit’s integration within the chassis in order to minimize performance loss elsewhere within the package.

An optimized KERS package can be expected to deliver a 0.3-0.5s gain per lap.

Winter test program

With in-season track testing now prohibited, the MP4-24 will undergo an intensive winter program at the following venues prior to the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 29:

Lewis Hamilton, Heikki Kovalainen, Ron Dennis and Martin Whitmarsh offer their thoughts on the new MP4-24 and look ahead to the 2009 season.

Lewis Hamilton
“The arrival of a new car is always an emotional moment for any racing driver – and the unveiling of MP4-24 is even more special for me, not only because the car looks absolutely stunning but also because it carries the world champion’s number one. I believe this year’s world championship is open, given the new rule changes and that’s a great prospect for every Formula 1 fan. Personally, I’m hoping for another successful season and the chance to once again fight for the title – until the final race if necessary, but preferably before!"

Heikki Kovalainen
“I’m fortunate enough to have watched behind the scenes as this year’s car has taken shape and I’ve been amazed at just how hard everybody in Woking. Brixworth and Stuttgart has worked. Over the winter, I also feel like I’ve had the opportunity to prepare fully for the year ahead: I’ve been busy training and working with my engineers to ensure we start the season as strongly as possible. With so many new rules, adapting quickly will be essential and I feel more prepared than ever for the new season."

Ron Dennis
Chairman & CEO, McLaren Group
Team principal, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“Despite our victory in the 2008 drivers’ world championship we have taken nothing for granted in our preparations for the season ahead. Indeed, if anything, our efforts to fully understand this period of huge regulatory change have been more thorough and concerted than ever before. And while the scale of the technical changes makes it difficult to accurately assess the true competitive outlook of the year ahead, as a team we can feel proud of our efforts and look forward to another close season of Formula 1 motor racing. As ever, we exist to win and our target remains the successful acquisition of both this year’s drivers’ and constructors’ world titles."

Martin Whitmarsh
COO, McLaren Group
CEO Formula 1, Vodafone McLaren Mercedes
“Such profound changes to the sport make it difficult to predict which teams will have most successfully developed their cars for the new technical regulations. These rules have presented us with considerable challenges throughout the design process of MP4-24 but we have thoroughly interpreted all their ramifications in order to design a car we can feel proud of. We are also optimistic that the Overtaking Working Group’s findings will help create a more thrilling and exciting sport that will provide greater entertainment and value to our biggest customers: the general public."

Norbert Haug
Vice-president, Mercedes-Benz Motorsport
“In sporting terms, the 2009 Formula 1 season will be a highly interesting one, particularly because of the so far biggest technical challenges in contemporary Formula 1 history. These include new aerodynamic rules, the reintroduction of slick tires, the implementation of KERS combined with stringent testing restrictions. We developed and built the new car at most favorable conditions and it turned out to be strikingly elegant. Our colleagues in Woking, Brixworth and Stuttgart did an excellent job. I am convinced that the rule changes combined with drastic cost reduction measures will improve the Formula 1 show – and that’s great for the interested spectators."

David Wheldon
Global brand director, Vodafone Group
“With nearly three months until the opening grand prix of the season, today’s launch of the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 raises anticipation and expectations before the first race in Australia in March. With new regulations and new cars, the season ahead looks likely to be more dramatic than ever and, like every Formula 1 fan, we are excited about the year ahead. Every Vodafone employee is looking forward to another successful season with Lewis and Heikki. We wish the whole team all the best for 2009."