The F1 season opener usually provides the first truly representative look at how the 10 teams will stack up against each other over the campaign ahead.

However, with many of the changes made between pre-season testing in Bahrain and the visit to Melbourne’s Albert Park being track specific, much of the paddock left still unable to answer questions on optimal performance and ideal setup – an issue exacerbated by the surprisingly cold conditions at the Bahrain International Circuit in February.

The one team that did seem to have a handle on its potential was McLaren. The Woking squad quickly found the balance sweet spot on its new car and Lando Norris subsequently claimed pole position and victory in Australia.

When RacingNews365 observed the MCL39 up close in the pit lane in Melbourne, we saw one of the most relevant elements of this project.

The observation is regarding the brake drums on the F1 constructors’ champion’s machine, or rather the complex ventilation channels that characterise the inner drum.

This is a fluid dynamics engineering feat. Not only is the design functional for cooling the brakes, the detail also optimises the aerodynamic effects around the front wheels. 

View the MCL39’s brake drums below.

Understanding the detail

The complex assembly of the inner drum fits perfectly with the unusual geometry of the front suspension. The upper wishbone is positioned even further back with its rear attachment point, certainly a refined aerodynamic modification for 2025.

The inner drums of the front brakes have been taken to the extreme for optimum aerodynamic performance. This applies not only to drag, but also to precise load distribution. 

The complexity of the drums, combined with the front suspension’s unconventional geometry, highlights two distinctive elements of the car.

On the one hand, chief designer Rob Marshall tried to attain the best dynamic behaviour by making the front suspension concept more extreme, also taking into account all the possible critical issues that can arise from an extreme concept.

McLaren was not afraid to take a gamble. However, on the other hand, it has created some characteristics – such as the position of the track rod and the lower wishbone – which allow to mitigate the effects of a front axle that is too rigid.

At the same time, the position and profile of the individual element fairings on the suspension work in synergy with the brake ducts, for precise management of the air flow around the front wheels.