Despite the token system limiting McLaren’s ability to develop their car between the ’20 and ’21 seasons, the team has focused on accommodating the new Mercedes power unit in the back of the car.
McLaren technical director James Key said that the team had to fit the M11 power unit into the car while making limited changes elsewhere as to remain within the homologation rules.
“We had to respect the homologation process by not changing things that didn’t really need to change.
“Fundamentally, the architecture of the car is quite different, but the homologated areas are as similar as possible. Among all of the other challenges it added an extra dimension which probably led to a slightly suboptimal approach compared to if you are absolutely free.”