Norbert Haug has admitted the new Mercedes-powered McLaren MP4-24 is currently not leading the Formula One field. With the 2009 pre-season winding down, it is clear that the team of 2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton is struggling for test pace.

It is suggested that the aerodynamics at the rear of the car - possibly the diffuser or the rear wing - is the main culprit.

McLaren's recent rear wing-switching has been widely reported, and on at least three occasions now, the British team has applied green flow visualisation paint to the MP4-24's bodywork, to trace the air-flow over the car.

"For sure we are not yet where we want to be," Haug, Mercedes' motor racing chief, told Bild newspaper.

Unlike many teams who will wrap up their test programmes at Barcelona, McLaren has scheduled a further four days of running at Jerez next week.

Given the looming in-season test ban, it is suggested that if McLaren has not solved its problems by Melbourne, rapid improvement thereafter is unlikely.

"The test ban will make developments during the season more difficult, but by no means impossible,” Haug said.

Former McLaren driver Kimi Raikkonen, meanwhile, warned observers against writing off the Woking squad.

"I don't know if they have problems or what they are doing," the Ferrari driver told La Gazzetta dello Sport at Barcelona.

"It is easier to wait two weeks (for Melbourne) to see exactly where people are. Certainly they (McLaren) have been less quick than in past winters but this does not mean they will not be quick at the first race."

E.A, Source: GMM
© CAPSIS International

 

I'm not worried. Hamilton will still win this year.

 

yeah, they have the budget to pull of miracles(big enuff to get ferrari tech! HAHAHAHA...)

 

They are wasting their time with the flow-vis paint. They need more stickers.

Everyone knows vinyl = HP.

Besides, Al said it. Luis wins regardless.

 

What are the bug cap looking things on the front wheels? They were on the cars last year and I never knew what they were then either.

 

Lewis is too worried about his pimp mobile than his F1 career.

Red in 09!

 

Aerodynamic aid for the air passing the wheel (i.e. very expensive hubcap).

 

Still messing with the rear wing??? Wasn't that an issue a few weeks ago when they were running the old set-up? I'm sure they will get their sht togeather by Melbourne.

 

it's all part of the act . . . the sport. maclaren have nothing to prove before the season begins, and have everything to hide from competitors. why let the cat completely out of the bag on performance prior to race day? it's not like they are brawngp and have to prove they are still viable and relevant. take a look at their testing the last few years. it's always the same tact. they we get to melbourne and they take top podium.

 

That's actually a great point. It's one of the subtler tactics to winning in the sport, but it's more common in poker than it is in racing. Bluff your opposition until you know you have the winning hand and then play your cards! Should be a great season!