MCL36

Lore & Background

The MCL36 was built to the new 2022 generation of technical regulations. It featured a unique pull-rod front and push-rod rear suspension layout, not seen on any Formula One car for nearly ten years. The car was noted for its lack of porpoising and good mechanical reliability. It achieved two fastest laps and one podium finish, all scored by Lando Norris. However, it was generally seen as a disappointment compared to its predecessor, the MCL35M, with inconsistent performance and a narrow operating window.

In Their Own Story

The garage lights hummed low as Lando Norris strapped into the cockpit of the MCL36. The smell of burnt rubber and high-octane fuel filled the air at Bahrain International Circuit. Mechanics gave the thumbs up, and the engine roared to life—a hybrid V6 symphony tuned for precision. As he pulled out onto the grid, the papaya orange paint gleamed under the floodlights. This was not just another race; it was a statement of intent after years of silence from the podium. He gripped the wheel, feeling the vibrations of history through his hands.

Reader's Guide

The MCL36 made its debut at the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, driven by Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris. The car suffered from brake cooling issues early in the season. Norris scored the car's only podium at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. The team finished fifth in the World Constructors' Championship.

Did You Know?

• The MCL36 was James Key's first completely original car for McLaren.
• The car's floor featured an L-shaped edge wing and a ridged underfloor that was later emulated by other teams.
• The MCL36 did not exhibit significant porpoising, unlike many other 2022 cars.
• The car's suspension layout reversed the typical setup, with pull-rod front and push-rod rear.