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McLaren Modify MP4-25 Floor for Monza

With the new floor flexibility tests imposed in F1 by the International Automobile Federation (FIA) starting the Italian Grand Prix, it was quite logical we would see some slight changes to some cars' underbodies prior to the Monza race.

The first victim was McLaren Mercedes, ironically the very team who started the whole front wing/floor saga in the first place. The British team had urged the FIA to revise its flexibility tests for the aforementioned parts following the Hungarian Grand Prix, where it argued Red Bull and Ferrari had gained advantage on track thanks to a more flexible front wing that usual.

Now, according to Tim Goss, chief engineer for the MP4-25 car, the first challenger who has suffered some changes to its underbody was McLaren's.

The new offset load test is a little challenging. We've had to make some minor modifications just to make sure we're well inside the deflection limits. We've taken the opportunity to roll it up into a minor performance upgrade as well,” said Goss during a team teleconference on Wednesday.

Additionally, the McLaren technical argued that several other teams will likely be forced to do the same as the British squad, Red Bull Racing included. Consequently, he sees a much tighter race at Monza, as compared to the one in Hungary.

I think as far as the offset bib test is concerned, I would expect most teams would have had to have made changes to comply with that. As far as articulated planks are concerned, there are a number of teams who run floor skids in multiple pieces and I imagine other teams will have to make modifications for that.

I think most people would say we're unlikely to see Red Bull Racing with the substantial advantage they had at the Hungarian Grand Prix. I bet Monza will be very tight,” concluded Goss.
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