McLaren data test in bid to copy Ferrari aerodynamic concept raises Mercedes ‘concern’

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McLaren ran a collection of sensors on their exhaust in Japan to study the gases that Mercedes’ 2026 F1 engine creates, as they look to potentially now copy Ferrari’s flap.

The Woking squad have endured a rather sobering start to the 2026 F1 regulations era, after seeing Mercedes open an early advantage thanks to their better understanding of their new engine. McLaren have even accepted that their initial concept for the MCL40 is not the best.

So, with F1 having a five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix and the Miami Grand Prix, McLaren strived to leave Suzuka knowing where they could improve their car for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. It is said that McLaren will run aero upgrades in Miami on May 1-3.

McLaren’s aerodynamic platform has proven to be lacking after the early rounds in Australia, China and Japan compared to the likes of Mercedes, who boast an 89-point margin over the reigning constructors’ champions. McLaren sit in third, also with a 44-point deficit to Ferrari.

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McLaren spark suspicions they are trying to copy Ferrari’s exhaust flap

In their attempts to better understand where they can improve the MCL40 during the break, Motorsport.com reports that McLaren fitted a metal ring on their central exhaust tailpipe in Japan to measure the hot gases and temperature variations exiting their Mercedes engine.

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McLaren installing four radial sensors and two micro thermometers is even thought to have raised ‘concern’ at Mercedes, as the papaya crew have delved into researching an area that they cannot control. There is also a belief that McLaren might now be trying to copy Ferrari.

Some in the paddock suspect that McLaren’s aerodynamicists led by Peter Prodromou have sought to replicate the exhaust flap that Ferrari first revealed during testing in Bahrain. The Scuderia have installed a small plate directly behind their exhaust flap to direct the gases.

Only Haas have copied Ferrari’s exhaust tail flap so far, as Ferrari required approval from the FIA for their exhaust flap as the 2026 F1 regulations stipulate that any part has to be fitted within 60mm of the rear differential. Ferrari had to build their gearbox with the flap in mind.

McLaren are now thought to be exploring whether they can create a similar concept for the MCL40 that would be legal with the design of Mercedes’ engine and their in-house gearbox design. While McLaren buy Mercedes’ PU, the Woking squad still design their own gearbox.

Creating an exhaust flap could help McLaren to improve the efficiency of their rear wing and rear diffuser in a similar way to how Ferrari have benefitted from their concept. It remains to be seen whether McLaren feel confident to run their own design when F1 returns in Miami.