The problem centered mainly around the design of the MCL36 ‘s front brakes, and caused Lando Norris to be unable to ride normally on the first day of testing in Bahrain before the brakes overheated.
This problem did not manifest itself in Barcelona because the temperature was low compared to what the teams had at the Sakhir International Circuit.
After detecting the problem in Bahrain, McLaren went to work to find a solution that could be ready before this weekend’s race, even if it was a temporary solution with a more refined version in mind for the next Grands Prix.
The solution installed on the MCL36 consists of the placement of a metallic piece on the carbon fiber brake disc cover that the team used during the first two tests.
While there are some obvious differences, the different materials used will also play a key role in heat transfer between the brakes, rims and tires.
The McLaren problem actually highlights a new technical loophole that could be interesting following the creation of these new rules.
Although the brake components have been modified according to the regulations, the way in which the teams cool them has also changed.
The diameter of the brake discs has increased from 278mm to 330mm, while the drill holes must now be at least 3mm, which has also limited the number and pattern that teams now have in their designs.
This is obviously done with heat dissipation in mind, which is also more complicated due to the much larger space now created by the new 18-inch wheels.
This change, coupled with the introduction of outer wheel covers and the inability to send airflow across the face of the wheel, means teams now have to extract the heat created by the brakes through a outlet housed in the brake lines.
McLaren was one of the teams that decided to enclose their brake discs inside a cover, which results in a clear path for airflow and the heat that these systems create.
Similarly, Red Bull has a solution that covers the brake disc, although it has chosen a different material for this purpose and has also put some insulation around the cover.
Meanwhile, Alpine has not adopted the full cover solution seen on McLaren and Red Bull, instead mounting its brake caliper at the front, with teardrop outlets in the carbon fiber cooling casing that allow the passage of heat that is rejected by the brake disc.
