McLaren MCL36#Complete Formula One results

{{Further|2022 Formula One World Championship#Technical regulations}}

McLaren's switch to Mercedes engines was meant to coincide with the new technical regulations and was therefore contracted for 2021. Planning for the new regulations started in early 2019 and active development of the car started in 2020 before the 2021 regulations change was postponed. This postponement was intended to reduce financial pressures on teams due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while teams' 2020 chassis were to be reused in 2021. Hence, McLaren's switch to Mercedes power units occurred with the MCL36's predecessor, the MCL35M.{{Cite web |last=Edmondson |first=Laurence |date=16 April 2020 |title=FIA will closely monitor McLaren's engine switch |url=https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/29043314/fia-closely-monitor-mclaren-switch-mercedes-power |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200616025912/https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/29043314/fia-closely-monitor-mclaren-switch-mercedes-power |archive-date=16 June 2020 |access-date=16 June 2020 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN |language=en}}

Aerodynamic development of all teams' 2022 cars was paused from 28 March 2020 until 31 December 2020 because of the postponement of the regulatory change.{{Cite web|date=31 March 2020|title=FIA approve raft of F1 rule changes for 2020 and 2021|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-approve-raft-of-f1-rule-changes-for-2020-and-2021.2FbZjY6Aa16fUs4a03PTh7.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200404073641/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.fia-approve-raft-of-f1-rule-changes-for-2020-and-2021.2FbZjY6Aa16fUs4a03PTh7.html|archive-date=4 April 2020|access-date=1 February 2021|website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration|language=en}} McLaren restarted development in early January 2021 with aerodynamic testing.{{Cite web|date=25 January 2021|title=MCL35M progress report|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/mcl35m-progress-report/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210127033328/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/mcl35m-progress-report/|archive-date=27 January 2021|access-date=1 February 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en}} Manufacturing of some components, mainly chassis and gearbox parts, was underway by July 2021.{{Cite web|date=3 July 2021|title=Triple threat|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/austrian-grand-prix/triple-threat/|url-status=live|access-date=4 July 2021|website=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|language=en|quote=...we already have MCL36 test parts in manufacture, as well as components that require a longer lead time to manufacture such as the chassis and gearbox casing.|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703085307/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2021/austrian-grand-prix/triple-threat/}}

Key was originally hired by McLaren from Toro Rosso in early 2019, when the MCL34 had already been designed and manufactured. Although he designed the MCL35 and the MCL35M upgrade, the MCL36 was Key's first completely original car for the team. Key called the development of the 2022 car's larger and less intricate surfaces a significant departure from the more specific and detailed development allowed in previous years.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=22 August 2021 |title=The 'oddball' process behind Key's first McLaren F1 design |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-oddball-process-behind-keys-first-mclaren-f1-design/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210915123457/https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-oddball-process-behind-keys-first-mclaren-f1-design/ |archive-date=15 September 2021 |access-date=16 September 2021 |website=The Race |language=en-GB}}

By October 2021, the car was being run on the McLaren simulator. Norris termed it "not as nice" to drive, but was hesitant to draw conclusions before the physical car was complete given the rapid progress in 2022 designs.{{Cite web|last1=Noble|first1=Jonathan|last2=Congiu|first2=Mario|date=4 October 2021|title=Norris: 2022 Formula 1 cars "not as nice" to drive relative to 2021|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-2022-formula-1-cars-not-as-nice-to-drive-relative-to-2021/6680783/|url-status=live|access-date=6 October 2021|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=5 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211005041516/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-2022-formula-1-cars-not-as-nice-to-drive-relative-to-2021/6680783/}}{{Cite web|last=Noble|first=Jonathan|date=1 December 2021|title=F1 2022 cars to be on edge like F2, says Norris|url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-2022-cars-to-be-on-edge-like-f2-says-norris/6838440/|url-status=live|access-date=6 January 2022|website=Autosport|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=9 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209215457/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/f1-2022-cars-to-be-on-edge-like-f2-says-norris/6838440/}} The chassis passed FIA homologation tests in early December 2021.{{Cite web|last=Coch|first=Mat|date=10 December 2021|title=McLaren 2022 chassis passes impact test|url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/12/10/mclaren-2022-chassis-passes-impact-test/|url-status=live|access-date=24 December 2021|website=Speedcafe.com|publisher=Speedcafe|language=en-US|archive-date=24 December 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211224001857/https://www.speedcafe.com/2021/12/10/mclaren-2022-chassis-passes-impact-test/}} Key stated that McLaren's primary goal was to produce a more balanced car that performed better in low-speed corners compared to the MCL35 and MCL35M, both of which lacked low-speed performance despite good high-speed cornering.{{Cite web|last1=Cleeren|first1=Filip|last2=Noble|first2=Jonathan|date=28 January 2022|title=McLaren wants better high/low speed balance with 2022 F1 car|url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-wants-better-high-low-speed-balance-with-2022-f1-car/7647234/|access-date=29 January 2022|website=Motorsport.com|publisher=Motorsport Network|language=en|archive-date=28 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128223849/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-wants-better-high-low-speed-balance-with-2022-f1-car/7647234/|url-status=live}}

At its launch, the car was noted for its conventional tight packaging of the engine and its reversing of the typical suspension layout: the MCL36 featured pull-rod front suspension and push-rod rear suspension, a layout not seen on any Formula One car since {{F1|2013}} on the McLaren MP4-28. This change maximised the downforce produced by the Venturi and ground effects by allowing unimpeded airflow in and out of the car's air inlets, increasing the volume of air moved through the floor.{{Cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=11 February 2022 |title=The key feature on the MCL36 that McLaren are hoping will give them an edge on rivals |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.analysis-the-key-feature-on-the-mcl36-that-mclaren-are-hoping-will-give-them.6IaZdMm4KfhJmt9toSxVTO.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212182234/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.analysis-the-key-feature-on-the-mcl36-that-mclaren-are-hoping-will-give-them.6IaZdMm4KfhJmt9toSxVTO.html |archive-date=12 February 2022 |access-date=3 March 2022 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}} The floor featured an L-shaped edge wing and a ridged underfloor which was eventually emulated by other teams, most notably on the Ferrari F1-75.{{Cite web |last1=Somerfield |first1=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2022-08-26 |title=The key floor trends that have defined F1 2022 |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-key-floor-trends-that-have-defined-f1-2022/10357482/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220828152023/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-key-floor-trends-that-have-defined-f1-2022/10357482/ |archive-date=28 August 2022 |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}}

{{See also|Formula One sponsorship liveries#McLaren}}

The MCL36 featured more vibrant, fluorescent shades of papaya orange and blue. The change was inspired after the MCL35M's one-off Gulf livery, featuring similar shades, received a very positive fan reaction.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathon |date=12 February 2022 |title=McLaren's Monaco Gulf livery inspired 2022 F1 colour tweak |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-monaco-gulf-livery-colour-tweak/8084627/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212152938/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-monaco-gulf-livery-colour-tweak/8084627/ |url-status=live }} McLaren introduced a special livery in collaboration with sponsor OKX for the Singapore and Japanese Grands Prix. The livery featured new cyberpunk-themed illustrations and replaced the blue highlights with neon pink.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-27 |title=McLaren unveils 'future mode' livery for Asia races |url=https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/34674457/mclaren-unveils-future-mode-livery-f1-races-singapore-japan |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=27 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220927093958/https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/34674457/mclaren-unveils-future-mode-livery-f1-races-singapore-japan |url-status=live }} A second special livery was used for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in collaboration with Vuse. As with the livery for the previous year's race, the car featured the artwork of an emerging artist, which on this occasion was Lebanese artist Anna Tangles.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-16 |title=McLaren Racing and Vuse unveil special Abu Dhabi Grand Prix livery designed by emerging artist |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/mclaren-racing-and-vuse-unveil-special-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-livery-designed-emerging-artist/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116154736/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/mclaren-racing-and-vuse-unveil-special-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-livery-designed-emerging-artist/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2022-11-16 |title=McLaren reveals special F1 livery for Abu Dhabi season finale |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-special-livery-abu-dhabi-gp/10400757/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=16 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221116154735/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-special-livery-abu-dhabi-gp/10400757/ |url-status=live }}

During the first three-day test at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, many teams experienced porpoising on their cars (resonation of the car due to the ground effect, making the car rock rapidly) which posed a driveability and reliability issue.{{Cite web |last=Coleman |first=Madeline |date=2023-02-25 |title=What is porpoising, and has F1 made it extinct for 2023? |url=https://theathletic.com/4248645/2023/02/24/porpoising-formula-one-rule/ |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=The Athletic |publisher=The New York Times Company |place=San Francisco |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802152528/https://theathletic.com/4248645/2023/02/24/porpoising-formula-one-rule/ |url-status=live }} Uniquely, the MCL36 did not appear to exhibit any issues with porpoising, although Key said "We suffer from it a bit, but it's not a major concern or a major distraction for the drivers."{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathon |date=27 February 2022 |title=McLaren: No clear answer for MCL36's lack of porpoising in F1 test |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-no-clear-answer-for-mcl36s-lack-of-porpoising-in-f1-test/8541487/ |url-access=limited |access-date=3 March 2022 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227093545/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-no-clear-answer-for-mcl36s-lack-of-porpoising-in-f1-test/8541487/ |url-status=live }} The lack of porpoising was partly linked to the MCL36's edge wing (an aerodynamic component on the outer edge of the car's floor).{{Cite web |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |date=2022-03-03 |title=Why McLaren avoided F1 porpoising headache at first test |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/why-mclaren-avoided-f1-porpoising-headache-at-first-test/8646255/ |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611205706/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/why-mclaren-avoided-f1-porpoising-headache-at-first-test/8646255/ |url-status=live }} The solution was copied by several other teams over the course of the season.{{Cite web |last1=Somerfield |first1=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2022-06-16 |title=How F1 teams combatted porpoising and unleashed performance |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-teams-porpoising-tech-fix/10322711/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616115329/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-teams-porpoising-tech-fix/10322711/ |archive-date=16 June 2022 |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} During the test, the team was forced to fit the most aggressive cooling options to the car's brakes, which was not expected to be needed until the second round of testing in the more demanding Bahraini conditions.{{harvnb|Wittich|Youson|2023|p=22}}

After the first round of testing, the car was generally expected to be competitive and enable McLaren to join a group of front-running teams. However, the second test at Bahrain International Circuit in higher temperatures exposed an issue with the MCL36's brakes, preventing the team from completing any long-run tests.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=19 March 2022 |title=Is McLaren dealing with a blip or a crisis? |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/is-mclaren-dealing-with-a-blip-or-a-crisis/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319222825/https://the-race.com/formula-1/is-mclaren-dealing-with-a-blip-or-a-crisis/ |archive-date=19 March 2022 |access-date=20 March 2022 |website=The Race |language=en-GB}} As the team later put it, they "simply didn't have a cooling package big enough to cope" with the hotter conditions in Bahrain. Ricciardo tested positive to COVID-19 and was required to isolate, preventing him from completing any of his test program and leaving Norris to complete the test alone.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=19 March 2022 |title=Ricciardo doesn't blame COVID for Saturday disappointment |url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/03/20/ricciardo-doesnt-blame-covid-for-saturday-disappointment/ |access-date=20 March 2022 |website=Speedcafe.com |publisher=Speedcafe |language=en-US |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320063747/https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/03/20/ricciardo-doesnt-blame-covid-for-saturday-disappointment/ |url-status=live }} The team said they had been unable to "do any optimization" to the car at the Bahrain test.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=20 March 2022 |title=McLaren explains factors behind Bahrain qualifying struggles |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-explains-factors-that-have-caused-bahrain-qualifying-struggles/9140070/ |access-date=20 March 2022 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=20 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220320063802/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-explains-factors-that-have-caused-bahrain-qualifying-struggles/9140070/ |url-status=live }}

McLaren introduced an "interim solution" to its front brake issues for the Bahrain Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=18 March 2022 |title=McLaren: F1 brake duct fix is "interim solution" at Bahrain GP |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-brake-duct-fix-is-interim-solution-at-bahrain-gp/9104292/ |access-date=20 March 2022 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=18 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318151842/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-brake-duct-fix-is-interim-solution-at-bahrain-gp/9104292/ |url-status=live }} The team was disappointed in its performance, as neither car made it to the final stage of qualifying: Norris qualified thirteenth and Ricciardo eighteenth. Key said the car was performing as the team expected and the drivers were finding it a more consistent and predictable car, but that the MCL36 lacked aerodynamic and mechanical grip. Ricciardo finished fourteenth and Norris fifteenth.{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Nate |date=20 March 2022 |title=Norris 'expecting pain' with McLaren after tough opening F1 race |url=https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/33558288/norris-expecting-pain-mclaren-tough-opening-f1-race |access-date=22 March 2022 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=25 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325044711/https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/33558288/norris-expecting-pain-mclaren-tough-opening-f1-race |url-status=live }} Ricciardo stated that he had treated the race as a test session in an attempt to recover time he had lost in the pre-season test.{{Cite web |last1=Parkes |first1=Ian |last2=Gale |first2=Ewan |date=20 March 2022 |title=Ricciardo turned Bahrain GP into "test session" |url=https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/78235/ricciardo-turned-bahrain-gp-into-test-session/ |access-date=22 March 2022 |website=GPfans |language=en |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321043653/https://www.gpfans.com/en/f1-news/78235/ricciardo-turned-bahrain-gp-into-test-session/ |url-status=live }} The result placed the team ninth in the Constructors' Championship (WCC).

No upgrades were made to the car at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, as parts were delayed to prioritise the front brake cooling solution.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=26 March 2022 |title=McLaren brake duct fixes have slowed development of MCL36 F1 car |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-brake-duct-fixes-have-slowed-development-of-mcl36-f1-car/9336139/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326112259/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-brake-duct-fixes-have-slowed-development-of-mcl36-f1-car/9336139/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified eleventh and Ricciardo twelfth, but the latter started fourteenth after receiving a grid penalty.{{Cite web |date=27 March 2022 |title=2022 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/saudi-arabian-grand-prix/2022-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/ |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329020822/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/saudi-arabian-grand-prix/2022-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }} Norris finished seventh, battling for sixth place on the final lap.{{Cite web |last=Larkam |first=Lewis |date=28 March 2022 |title=Winners and losers from F1's Saudi Arabian Grand Prix |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/999752/1/winners-and-losers-f1-s-saudi-arabian-grand-prix |access-date=29 March 2022 |website=Crash |publisher=Crash Media Group |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329020822/https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/999752/1/winners-and-losers-f1-s-saudi-arabian-grand-prix |url-status=live }} Ricciardo did not finish the race, retiring with undiagnosed mechanical issues. Norris improved to tenth and Ricciardo fell to nineteenth in the Drivers' Championship (WDC), while the team improved to eighth in the WCC.

The team introduced an aerodynamic upgrade to the area around the rear brakes for the Australian Grand Prix, to improve the wake produced by the tyres and diffuser.{{Cite web |last1=Somerfield |first1=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=13 April 2022 |title=Red Bull begins weight-saving push on 2022 F1 car |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-rb18-weight-saving-push/9859730/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424195641/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-rb18-weight-saving-push/9859730/ |archive-date=24 April 2022 |access-date=14 April 2022 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} Norris qualified fourth and Ricciardo qualified seventh, and finished fifth and sixth, respectively.{{Cite web |last1=Cleeren |first1=Filip |last2=Smith |first2=Luke |date=11 April 2022 |title=Norris: Australian GP "might be as good as it gets for a while" |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-australian-gp-might-be-as-good-as-it-gets-for-a-while-/9802459/ |access-date=13 April 2022 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220416084154/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-australian-gp-might-be-as-good-as-it-gets-for-a-while-/9802459/ |url-status=live }} The team improved to fourth in the WCC, and Norris to eighth and Ricciardo to eleventh in the WDC.

File:Daniel Ricciardo 2022 Emilia Romagna.jpg

The MCL36 featured a new beam wing{{Efn|The beam wing is a wing above the diffuser but below the rear wing, which directs turbulence upwards. It affects the performance of both the diffuser and the rear wing.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Gary |author-link=Gary Anderson (motorsport)|date=31 January 2022 |title=How F1's 2022 rear wings will impact overtaking |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-how-f1s-2022-rear-wings-will-impact-overtaking/ |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=1 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220201164920/https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-how-f1s-2022-rear-wings-will-impact-overtaking/ |url-status=live }}}} for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathon |date=22 April 2022 |title=Formula 1's midfield battle hots up with Imola updates |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-f1-midfield-battle-hots-up-with-imola-updates/10118894/ |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=23 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423025942/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/analysis-f1-midfield-battle-hots-up-with-imola-updates/10118894/ |url-status=live }} Qualifying was wet, and Norris qualified third and Ricciardo sixth for the sprint.{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=23 April 2022 |title=Norris "could have gotten Leclerc" for Imola F1 front row |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-could-have-gotten-leclerc-for-imola-f1-front-row/10125133/ |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=23 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423025919/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-could-have-gotten-leclerc-for-imola-f1-front-row/10125133/ |url-status=live }} The drivers finished the sprint in fifth and sixth respectively.{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=24 April 2022 |title=Why McLaren's 'nice surprise' got even better at Imola |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/why-mclarens-nice-surprise-got-even-better-at-imola/ |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424101629/https://the-race.com/formula-1/why-mclarens-nice-surprise-got-even-better-at-imola/ |url-status=live }} The race started in wet conditions, and out of the second corner, Ricciardo understeered into Sainz, ending the latter's race. Ricciardo suffered diffuser damage,{{harvnb|Wittich|Youson|2023|p=56}} and finished eighteenth.{{Cite web |date=24 April 2022 |title='I paid for Ricciardo's mistake' says Sainz, after ending second straight race in gravel trap |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-paid-for-ricciardos-mistake-says-sainz-after-ending-second-straight-race.rbLwboqiltNbDHrCLAwFv.html |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424170833/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-paid-for-ricciardos-mistake-says-sainz-after-ending-second-straight-race.rbLwboqiltNbDHrCLAwFv.html |url-status=live }} Norris made his way back up to third by the end of the first lap, but was overtaken by Leclerc and ran in fourth for most of the race, managing his gap to fifth place comfortably.{{Cite web |date=25 April 2022 |title=Norris hails 'amazing' McLaren performance after consecutive Imola podiums |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-hails-amazing-mclaren-performance-after-consecutive-imola-podium.1f3vPsqPzm9UbjCyAEOwWl.html |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424193805/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-hails-amazing-mclaren-performance-after-consecutive-imola-podium.1f3vPsqPzm9UbjCyAEOwWl.html |url-status=live }} In the closing laps, Leclerc bounced over a curb and had a mild collision with the barriers, allowing Norris to inherit third place. Norris improved to sixth in the WDC.{{Cite web |last=Thurston |first=Emma |date=24 April 2022 |title=Lando Norris hails McLaren's teamwork after P3 finish in Imola |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12597826/emilia-romagna-gp-lando-norris-hails-mclarens-teamwork-after-p3-finish-in-imola |access-date=25 April 2022 |website=Sky Sports F1 |publisher=Sky Group Limited |language=en |archive-date=24 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220424181333/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12597826/emilia-romagna-gp-lando-norris-hails-mclarens-teamwork-after-p3-finish-in-imola |url-status=live }} The MCL36 was the only car (and Norris the only driver) from outside the top three teams (Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes) to finish on the podium in the 2022 season.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-06 |title=Norris says McLaren 'can't be satisfied' with 2022 season after P5 finish |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-says-mclaren-cant-be-satisfied-with-2022-season-after-p5-finish.4YN1Soij76t2HSfzZ49CLK.html |access-date=2022-12-07 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=7 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207135527/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-says-mclaren-cant-be-satisfied-with-2022-season-after-p5-finish.4YN1Soij76t2HSfzZ49CLK.html |url-status=live }}

The car's front suspension was strengthened for reliability and an additional floor stay was added to minimise porpoising in upgrades introduced at the Miami Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=6 May 2022 |title=Mercedes changes headline F1 teams' Miami upgrades |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/mercedes-changes-headline-f1-teams-miami-upgrades/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511024929/https://the-race.com/formula-1/mercedes-changes-headline-f1-teams-miami-upgrades/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified eighth and Ricciardo fourteenth for the race.{{Cite web |last=Morlidge |first=Matt |date=8 May 2022 |title=Miami GP Qualifying: Charles Leclerc on pole ahead of Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen, Mercedes struggle |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12608078/miami-gp-qualifying-charles-leclerc-on-pole-ahead-of-carlos-sainz-and-max-verstappen-mercedes-struggle |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Sky Sports F1 |publisher=Sky Group Limited |language=en |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511024927/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12608078/miami-gp-qualifying-charles-leclerc-on-pole-ahead-of-carlos-sainz-and-max-verstappen-mercedes-struggle |url-status=live }} During the race, Norris was involved in a collision with Pierre Gasly whose AlphaTauri AT03 had suffered steering damage. Both retired from the race.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=9 May 2022 |title=Gasly explains how Alonso F1 clash damage led to Norris collision |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/gasly-explains-how-alonso-f1-clash-damage-led-to-norris-collision-in-miami-gp/10301695/ |access-date=11 May 2022 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511024927/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/gasly-explains-how-alonso-f1-clash-damage-led-to-norris-collision-in-miami-gp/10301695/ |url-status=live }} Ricciardo finished eleventh but was demoted to thirteenth by a time penalty for overtaking off-track.{{Cite news |last=Doyle |first=Michael |date=8 May 2022 |title=Ricciardo's struggles continue as Verstappen powers his Red Bull to victory |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-09/f1-miami-grand-prix-max-verstappen-wins-daniel-ricciardo-/101048466 |access-date=11 May 2022 |archive-date=11 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220511024928/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-05-09/f1-miami-grand-prix-max-verstappen-wins-daniel-ricciardo-/101048466 |url-status=live }} Norris fell to seventh in the WDC.

McLaren introduced a total of ten upgrades for the Spanish Grand Prix, which consisted of changes to various aerodynamic parts, brakes, and suspension.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathon |date=2022-05-10 |title=McLaren reveals 10 upgrades for F1 Spanish GP |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-reveals-its-10-upgrades-for-f1s-spanish-gp/10307225/ |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=1 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601065657/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-reveals-its-10-upgrades-for-f1s-spanish-gp/10307225/ |url-status=live }} Ricciardo likened the Friday practice running to winter testing given the quantity of changes.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2022-05-20 |title=Ricciardo: Spanish GP like winter testing with McLaren upgrades |url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/05/21/ricciardo-spanish-gp-like-winter-testing-with-mclaren-upgrades/ |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-US |archive-date=3 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803090634/https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/05/21/ricciardo-spanish-gp-like-winter-testing-with-mclaren-upgrades/ |url-status=live }} Ricciardo qualified ninth, and Norris, who lost a lap time due to a track limits violation, qualified eleventh.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2022-05-21 |title=Charles Leclerc produces immense lap to claim pole at Spanish Grand Prix |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/21/charles-leclerc-produces-immense-lap-to-claim-pole-at-spanish-grand-prix |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=The Guardian |oclc=60623878 |language=en |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=11 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220611051841/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/may/21/charles-leclerc-produces-immense-lap-to-claim-pole-at-spanish-grand-prix |url-status=live }} Norris, despite suffering from tonsillitis, finished eighth.{{Cite web |date=2022-05-23 |title=Norris raced to eighth with tonsillitis |url=https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/33969434/lando-norris-raced-eighth-spanish-gp-tonsillitis |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN Inc. |language=en |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602170417/https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/33969434/lando-norris-raced-eighth-spanish-gp-tonsillitis |url-status=live }} Ricciardo finished twelfth.{{Cite web |last=Key |first=Matt |date=2022-05-22 |title=Verstappen wins from Perez after Leclerc DNF |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/spanish-gp-verstappen-wins-from-perez-after-leclerc-dnf/10309006/ |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=8 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220608022614/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/spanish-gp-verstappen-wins-from-perez-after-leclerc-dnf/10309006/ |url-status=live }}

At the Monaco Grand Prix, McLaren ran the car with extra cooling on the front brakes and different steering geometry and rear-view mirrors to account for the nature of the Circuit de Monaco.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2022-05-27 |title=The Monaco-specific updates F1 teams have made |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-monaco-specific-updates-f1-teams-have-made/ |access-date=2023-08-03 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=3 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230803090633/https://the-race.com/formula-1/the-monaco-specific-updates-f1-teams-have-made/ |url-status=live }} Norris and Ricciardo qualified fifth and fourteenth respectively. In a rain affected race, Norris finished sixth and set the fastest lap, and Ricciardo finished twelfth.{{Cite web |last=Rendell |first=Sarah |date=2022-05-30 |title=Lando Norris admits Monaco Grand Prix was 'scary' and 'nerve-wracking' experience |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/lando-norris-monaco-grand-prix-b2090215.html |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220616111507/https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/lando-norris-monaco-grand-prix-b2090215.html |archive-date=16 June 2022 |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=The Independent |language=en |issn=1741-9743 |oclc=185201487 |url-status=live }}

The MCL36 was run with a track-specific aero kit to reduced load and more cooling options for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2022-06-10 |title=Red Bull and Ferrari F1 upgrades among Azerbaijan GP updates |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/red-bull-and-ferrari-upgrades-among-azerbaijan-gp-updates/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220610113649/https://the-race.com/formula-1/red-bull-and-ferrari-upgrades-among-azerbaijan-gp-updates/ |archive-date=10 June 2022 |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=The Race |language=en-GB}} Norris qualified for the race eleventh and Ricciardo twelfth, and finished ninth and eighth respectively. Team orders were used twice in the race, first to keep Ricciardo behind Norris in the early stages and then to keep Norris behind Ricciardo in the final laps.{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2022-06-14 |title=McLaren: Baku F1 team orders down to Alpine pressure |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-baku-f1-team-orders-down-to-alpine-pressure/10321621/ |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616115330/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-baku-f1-team-orders-down-to-alpine-pressure/10321621/ |url-status=live }} The team's strategy was criticized for being ineffective and compromising both drivers' pace.{{Cite web |last=Gupta |first=Ekagra |date=2022-06-13 |editor-last=Dunn |editor-first=Joe |title=Azerbaijan GP data analysis - was McLaren's Baku strategy even worse than Ferrari's in Monaco? |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/azerbaijan-gp-data-analysis-was-mclarens-baku-strategy-even-worse-than-ferraris-in-monaco |url-access=limited |access-date=2022-06-16 |website=Motor Sport |publisher=Motor Sport Magazine Limited|location=London |language=en-GB |issn=0027-2019 |archive-date=16 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616115335/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/azerbaijan-gp-data-analysis-was-mclarens-baku-strategy-even-worse-than-ferraris-in-monaco |url-status=live }} Ricciardo fell to thirteenth in the WDC.

For the Canadian Grand Prix, McLaren updated the rear wing assembly for aerodynamic efficiency and changed the location of the floor stay for better stiffness.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2022-06-17 |title=What upgrades have F1 teams brought to the Canadian GP? |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-upgrades-have-f1-teams-brought-to-the-canadian-gp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220626121331/https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-upgrades-have-f1-teams-brought-to-the-canadian-gp/ |archive-date=26 June 2022 |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=The Race |language=en-GB}} Norris suffered a power unit issue during qualifying which prevented him from setting a time in the second stage.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2022-06-20 |title=Norris: McLaren's strong F1 days aren't "genuine pace" |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-mclarens-strong-f1-days-arent-genuine-pace/10325664/ |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=21 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220621040038/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-mclarens-strong-f1-days-arent-genuine-pace/10325664/ |url-status=live }} He started fourteenth, while Ricciardo qualified ninth.{{Cite web |last=Bradley |first=Charles |date=2022-06-19 |title=Verstappen takes Canadian GP pole |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-qualifying-results-canada/10324692/ |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=27 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627111344/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-grand-prix-qualifying-results-canada/10324692/ |url-status=live }} During the first virtual safety car, Ricciardo was ninth and Norris twelfth, when McLaren attempted to double-stack a pit stop.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2022-06-20 |title=Brake issues hurt McLaren in Canada |url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/06/20/brake-issues-hurt-mclaren-in-canada/ |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Speedcafe |language=en |archive-date=20 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220620005245/https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/06/20/brake-issues-hurt-mclaren-in-canada/ |url-status=live }} After a slow stop for Ricciardo, the pit crew fitted the wrong tyres to Norris's car before correcting the mistake. Ricciardo exited twelfth and Norris eighteenth, and they finished eleventh and fifteenth respectively after both cars suffered brake issues in the final stages of the race.

File:Daniel Ricciardo at the 2022 British Grand Prix (52196613993).jpg

McLaren announced ahead of the British Grand Prix that the MCL36 would not receive further major upgrades due to the budget cap. Instead, only minor technical updates would be provided.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathon |date=2022-06-29 |title=McLaren: Budget cap uncertainty has put handbrake on F1 upgrades |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-budget-cap-uncertainty-handbrake-upgrades/10329827/ |access-date=2022-07-01 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=30 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220630115421/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-budget-cap-uncertainty-handbrake-upgrades/10329827/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified for the race sixth; and held fifth in the race until losing the position in the pits during the final safety car, finishing sixth.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-04 |title='It should have been P5' says Norris after losing out to Alonso during final pit stops at Silverstone |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.it-should-have-been-p5-says-norris-after-losing-out-to-alonso-during-final.3nZyEU1XP91aQBgzQhWKqp.html |access-date=2022-07-07 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=4 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220704150531/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.it-should-have-been-p5-says-norris-after-losing-out-to-alonso-during-final.3nZyEU1XP91aQBgzQhWKqp.html |url-status=live }} Ricciardo qualified fourteenth, but restarted twelfth after the red flag caused by Zhou Guanyu's first lap incident. A failure of the drag reduction system on his MCL36 necessitated an extra stop, and Ricciardo finished the race thirteenth.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2022-07-05 |title=Ricciardo: Something "a bit off" with McLaren car during "pretty sad" British GP |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-something-a-bit-off-with-mclaren-car-during-pretty-sad-british-gp/10333331/ |access-date=2022-07-07 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=5 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220705091056/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-something-a-bit-off-with-mclaren-car-during-pretty-sad-british-gp/10333331/ |url-status=live }} The result dropped Ricciardo to fourteenth in the WDC.

File:FIA F1 Austria 2022 Nr. 4 Norris (side).jpg

The car featured revised brake ducts and rear wing endplates beginning with the Austrian Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2022-07-08 |title=Technical updates: Austrian GP |url=https://racer.com/2022/07/08/technical-updates-austrian-gp/ |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=RACER |location=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060 |archive-date=9 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709072555/https://racer.com/2022/07/08/technical-updates-austrian-gp/ |url-status=live }} Norris suffered an engine failure in the first practice session and reverted to an older engine for the rest of the weekend. He also experienced brake issues during qualifying, and he qualified fifteenth and Ricciardo sixteenth for the second sprint of the season.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-08 |title=Norris says 'scary' brake issues saw him qualify 15th, as Ricciardo says he needs to 'be an adult' about Q1 elimination |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-says-scary-brake-issues-saw-him-qualify-15th-as-ricciardo-looks-for.I3pCiHpPni4rMDr5VprTO.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713081128/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-says-scary-brake-issues-saw-him-qualify-15th-as-ricciardo-looks-for.I3pCiHpPni4rMDr5VprTO.html |url-status=live }} The two finished eleventh and twelfth respectively in the sprint, which became tenth and eleventh on the starting grid after penalties were applied for other drivers.{{Cite news |last=Doyle |first=Michael |date=2022-07-10 |title=Ricciardo says more pace needed to challenge in Austrian Grand Prix |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-10/daniel-ricciardo-starts-f1-austrian-gp-12th-max-verstappen-pole/101224670 |access-date=2022-07-13 |archive-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713081121/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-07-10/daniel-ricciardo-starts-f1-austrian-gp-12th-max-verstappen-pole/101224670 |url-status=live }} During the race Norris was awarded a time penalty for exceeding track limits, a penalty he said cost him the chance to challenge for sixth place as he finished seventh. Ricciardo finished ninth.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-11 |title='We could have had P6' says Norris, as track limits time penalty costs him in Austrian Grand Prix |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-could-have-had-p6-says-norris-as-track-limits-time-penalty-costs-him-in.3TGrwjvGntPUK8oQzruVKq.html |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=13 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713081121/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-could-have-had-p6-says-norris-as-track-limits-time-penalty-costs-him-in.3TGrwjvGntPUK8oQzruVKq.html |url-status=live }} Ricciardo improved to twelfth in the WDC. Alpine drew level with McLaren in the WCC, but McLaren retained fourth place after the countback. McLaren remained at the Red Bull Ring after the race for a Pirelli tyre test, with Ricciardo and Norris both doing a day of testing of the 2023 tyre compounds.{{Cite web |date=2022-07-04 |title=2022 Austrian Grand Prix - Preview |url=https://press.pirelli.com/2022-austrian-grand-prix---preview/ |access-date=2022-07-13 |website=Pirelli Newsroom |publisher=Pirelli |location=Milan |language=en |archive-date=14 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220714075158/https://press.pirelli.com/2022-austrian-grand-prix---preview/ |url-status=live }}

File:2022 French Grand Prix (52279300099).png

McLaren introduced another substantial upgrade package for the French Grand Prix, which featured a new diffuser, underfloor, rear brake ducts, and sidepods, as well as a change to the rear wing endplate for reliability.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Gary |author-link=Gary Anderson (motorsport)|date=2022-07-22 |title=Gary Anderson explains McLaren's massive French GP upgrade |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-explains-mclarens-massive-french-gp-upgrade/ |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=24 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724084503/https://the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-explains-mclarens-massive-french-gp-upgrade/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last1=Somerfield |first1=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2022-07-24 |title=Why McLaren has abandoned its original sidepod concept |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mclaren-has-abandoned-its-original-sidepod-concept/10341916/?nrt=54 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724084505/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mclaren-has-abandoned-its-original-sidepod-concept/10341916/?nrt=54 |archive-date=24 July 2022 |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} Most significantly, the shape of the sidepods changed dramatically. Throughout the turbo-hybrid era, teams pursued a narrow sidepod that exposed as much of the floor as possible, but the 2022 regulation changes limited this design concept's potential due to the primacy of the ground effect. The new MCL36 sidepods were similar to those featured on the title-challengers, the Ferrari F1-75 and Red Bull Racing RB18, with an emphasis on managing tyre wake and the introduction of a downwashing plane that delivers air to the rear of the car. The upgrade appeared effective in qualifying; Norris qualified fifth and Ricciardo eleventh.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell |first=Scott |date=2022-07-24 |title=McLaren's pace has worried Alonso and surprised Norris |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-pace-has-worried-alonso-and-surprised-norris/ |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=24 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724084504/https://the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-pace-has-worried-alonso-and-surprised-norris/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-07-23 |title=Norris thrilled to split Mercedes for P5 in qualifying but anticipates 'tough race' in France |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-delighted-to-split-mercedes-for-p5-in-qualifying-but-anticipates.5ObAVh2sC10ORA9c3HoLzD.html |access-date=2022-07-24 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=24 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220724084505/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-delighted-to-split-mercedes-for-p5-in-qualifying-but-anticipates.5ObAVh2sC10ORA9c3HoLzD.html |url-status=live }} Ricciardo started ninth after grid penalties for two drivers ahead of him, and finished the race in ninth place. Norris had a poor start, and finished seventh. The result cost McLaren fourth in the WCC, and they fell to fifth behind Alpine.{{Cite web |last1=Anderson |first1=Ben |last2=Straw |first2=Edd |date=2022-07-26 |title=French GP 'exposed' true nature of McLaren/Alpine battle |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/french-gp-exposed-true-nature-of-mclaren-alpine-battle/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220727053049/https://the-race.com/formula-1/french-gp-exposed-true-nature-of-mclaren-alpine-battle/ |archive-date=27 July 2022 |access-date=2022-07-27 |website=The Race |language=en-GB}}

Beginning with the Hungarian Grand Prix, the MCL36 featured revised front brake cooling system and new underfloor flow conditioners designed to better engage the diffuser.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2022-07-29 |title=Hungarian GP updates headlined by new Haas package |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/hungarian-gp-updates-headlined-by-new-haas-package/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220820030940/https://the-race.com/formula-1/hungarian-gp-updates-headlined-by-new-haas-package/ |archive-date=20 August 2022 |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=The Race |language=en-GB}} Norris qualified fourth and Ricciardo ninth.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2022-07-31 |title=Norris: Russell pole not a surprise given strong Mercedes |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-russell-pole-not-a-surprise-given-strong-mercedes/10346380/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908120725/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-russell-pole-not-a-surprise-given-strong-mercedes/10346380/ |url-status=live }} Norris finished seventh and Ricciardo finished thirteenth, but was demoted to fifteenth by a five-second penalty awarded for causing a collision with Lance Stroll.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2022-08-02 |title=Ricciardo: "Two-for-one" F1 pass on Alpines gave "a bit of a buzz" |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-double-alpine-pass-hungary/10347509/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=21 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220821002139/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/ricciardo-double-alpine-pass-hungary/10347509/ |url-status=live }}

An extensive list of updates débuted at the Belgian Grand Prix. This package included a low-drag rear wing, beam wing, and rear corner assembly, an updated diffuser and floor assembly, new front suspension track rods and a new winglet in the rear corner, and a streamlined circuit-specific engine cover.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2022-08-26 |title=What upgrades have F1 teams brought to the Belgian GP? |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-upgrades-have-f1-teams-brought-to-the-belgian-gp/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826105731/https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-upgrades-have-f1-teams-brought-to-the-belgian-gp/ |archive-date=26 August 2022 |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=The Race |language=en-GB}} The overall aim of the package was to improve aerodynamic efficiency and maximise straight-line speed to take advantage of the low downforce requirements of Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2022-08-26 |title=McLaren goes aggressive on Spa F1 upgrades in straightline speed push |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-goes-aggressive-on-spa-f1-upgrades-in-straightline-speed-push/10358173/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=8 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220908120706/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-goes-aggressive-on-spa-f1-upgrades-in-straightline-speed-push/10358173/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified tenth, but was relegated to seventeenth on the grid due as the team exceeded the number of allowable power unit components.{{Cite web |date=2022-08-30 |title=Belgian GP performance 'nothing to be proud of' says Norris after point-less outing for McLaren at Spa |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.belgian-gp-performance-nothing-to-be-proud-of-says-norris-after-point-less.2oSNCIbY7hcf0HsV49DOiB.html |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831224459/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.belgian-gp-performance-nothing-to-be-proud-of-says-norris-after-point-less.2oSNCIbY7hcf0HsV49DOiB.html |url-status=live }} Ricciardo qualified eleventh, but was promoted to seventh on the grid due to penalties for other drivers.{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2022-08-27 |title=Max Verstappen tops Belgian F1 GP qualifying but Carlos Sainz Jr takes pole |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/27/max-verstappen-tops-belgian-f1-gp-qualifying-carlos-sainz-jr-takes-pole-position |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=The Guardian |oclc=60623878 |publication-place=London|place=Stavelot |language=en |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=7 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220907131241/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/aug/27/max-verstappen-tops-belgian-f1-gp-qualifying-carlos-sainz-jr-takes-pole-position |url-status=live }} Both drivers were caught in DRS trains.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2022-08-30 |title=Norris: McLaren "missing" something amid "shocking" Belgian GP DRS deficit |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-mclaren-missing-something-amid-shocking-drs-deficit/10360462/ |url-access=limited |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831112907/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-mclaren-missing-something-amid-shocking-drs-deficit/10360462/ |url-status=live }} Norris finished the race twelfth and Ricciardo fifteenth, resulting in Ricciardo falling from twelfth to thirteenth in the WDC.

At the Dutch Grand Prix, Norris qualified and finished in seventh, and Ricciardo qualified and finished in seventeenth.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-05 |title=Norris disappointed to finish in P7 behind Alonso – but praises McLaren's performance at Dutch GP |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-disappointed-to-finish-in-p7-behind-alonso-but-praises-mclarens.2GDlB1HRO60U8WuW9Vk6GG.html |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=6 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220906232337/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-disappointed-to-finish-in-p7-behind-alonso-but-praises-mclarens.2GDlB1HRO60U8WuW9Vk6GG.html |url-status=live }}

The car was run in a low-downforce specification for the Italian Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2022-09-09 |title=Technical updates: Italian GP |url=https://racer.com/2022/09/09/technical-updates-italian-gp/ |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=RACER|location=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060 |archive-date=11 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911123809/https://racer.com/2022/09/09/technical-updates-italian-gp/ |url-status=live }} Norris and Ricciardo qualified seventh and eighth respectively, which became third and fourth respectively once grid penalties were applied to other drivers.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-10 |title='Pretty much put it all together' – Norris and Ricciardo delighted with McLaren qualifying performance at Monza |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-pretty-much-put-it-all-together-norris-and-ricciardo-delighted-with.60MB6tie1SFkl2aP2KkC5A.html |access-date=2022-09-11 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=11 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220911123812/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-pretty-much-put-it-all-together-norris-and-ricciardo-delighted-with.60MB6tie1SFkl2aP2KkC5A.html |url-status=live }} The clutch map on Norris's MCL36 failed at the race start, forcing him to launch the car manually and costing him several positions on the first lap.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-12 |title='We just made too many mistakes' says Norris after leaving Monza disappointed with P7 |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-just-made-too-many-mistakes-says-norris-after-leaving-monza-disappointed.3CnPzuT9WrYzME6JheEFXZ.html |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220923004652/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-just-made-too-many-mistakes-says-norris-after-leaving-monza-disappointed.3CnPzuT9WrYzME6JheEFXZ.html |url-status=live }} He finished seventh, while Ricciardo retired after an oil leak caused a failure on his Mercedes engine.{{Cite web |date=2022-09-13 |title=Ricciardo says 'everything shut off' as he reveals disappointment at late DNF in Italian GP |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-says-everything-shut-off-as-he-reveals-disappointment-at-late-dnf.1JodTkiq8ba0ECDiSm10uJ.html |access-date=2022-09-27 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=21 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220921222340/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.ricciardo-says-everything-shut-off-as-he-reveals-disappointment-at-late-dnf.1JodTkiq8ba0ECDiSm10uJ.html |url-status=live }} The race result meant Ricciardo moved from thirteenth to fourteenth in the WDC.

The MCL36 featured a special livery for the Singapore Grand Prix (see {{Section link|2=Liveries|nopage=y}}). McLaren also delivered a substantial upgrade, designed to deliver performance in a conceptually new way, partly in preparation for {{F1|2023}}.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=2022-09-30 |title=McLaren's biggest update of 2022 a 'step towards new concept' |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-biggest-update-of-2022-a-step-towards-new-concept/ |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006115525/https://the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-biggest-update-of-2022-a-step-towards-new-concept/ |url-status=live }} The package was initially given only to Norris due to a shortage of parts.{{Cite web |last1=Somerfield |first1=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2022-10-05 |title=How McLaren stole the F1 upgrade spotlight in Singapore |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclaren-stole-the-f1-upgrade-spotlight-in-singapore/10379614/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006121028/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclaren-stole-the-f1-upgrade-spotlight-in-singapore/10379614/ |archive-date=6 October 2022 |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} Aerodynamically, the upgrade included new radiator inlet and floor designs, and again shifted the sidepod design closer to that of the RB18. Internal packaging of the radiators, cooling systems, electronics, and side impact spars was also rearranged. Norris finished in fourth and Ricciardo in fifth, having qualified in sixth and sixteenth respectively; this result took fourth place in the WCC from Alpine, while Ricciardo moved up to eleventh in the WDC.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-02 |title='We needed this' says Ricciardo after finishing fifth behind McLaren team mate Norris in Singapore |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-needed-this-says-ricciardo-after-finishing-fifth-behind-mclaren-team-mate.44uyFqKW0ClevpZNoZjfnA.html |access-date=2022-10-06 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=6 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221006115525/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.we-needed-this-says-ricciardo-after-finishing-fifth-behind-mclaren-team-mate.44uyFqKW0ClevpZNoZjfnA.html |url-status=live }}

The car again featured the special livery for the Japanese Grand Prix (see {{Section link|2=Liveries|nopage=y}}). The upgrades introduced to Norris's car in Singapore were added to Ricciardo's MCL36.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-05 |title=Everything you need to know for the Japanese Grand Prix - presented by OKX |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/japanese-grand-prix/everything-you-need-know-japan/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009093444/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/japanese-grand-prix/everything-you-need-know-japan/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified in tenth and Ricciardo in eleventh,{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2022-10-08 |title=Results: Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix, Qualifying |url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/10/08/results-formula-1-japanese-grand-prix-qualifying/ |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-US |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009091944/https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/10/08/results-formula-1-japanese-grand-prix-qualifying/ |url-status=live }} and both finished in those same places in the race, which was shortened by heavy rain.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-09 |title=2022 Japapense Grand Prix |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/japanese-grand-prix/2022-japanese-grand-prix/ |url-status=live |access-date=2022-10-09 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |archive-date=9 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221009114614/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/japanese-grand-prix/2022-japanese-grand-prix/ }} The team lost fourth place to Alpine in the WCC, and Ricciardo fell to twelfth in the WDC.

2021 IndyCar champion Álex Palou replaced Ricciardo for the first practice session at the United States Grand Prix, fulfilling the first of two mandatory rookie practice sessions.{{Cite web |last1=Malsher-Lopez |first1=David |last2=Curi |first2=Mandy |date=2022-10-22 |title=Palou: "Insane" F1 car "capable of more than I thought it was" |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/palou-insane-f1-car-capable-of-more-than-i-thought-it-was/10387882/ |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=22 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022054439/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/palou-insane-f1-car-capable-of-more-than-i-thought-it-was/10387882/ |url-status=live }} Both Ricciardo and Norris took part in Pirelli's 2023 tyre test in the second practice session.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-22 |title=2022 United States Grand Prix – Free Practice |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/united-states-grand-prix/2022-united-states-grand-prix-free-practice/ |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=22 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022054439/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/united-states-grand-prix/2022-united-states-grand-prix-free-practice/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified eighth and Ricciardo qualified seventeenth, but penalties for other drivers promoted Norris to sixth and Ricciardo to sixteenth.{{Cite web |last=Bradley |first=Charles |date=2022-10-23 |title=Carlos Sainz takes United States GP pole |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-qualifying-results-takes-united-states-gp-pole/10388655/ |access-date=2022-10-23 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=23 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221023033318/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-qualifying-results-takes-united-states-gp-pole/10388655/ |url-status=live }} During the race, Norris's car was struck by debris from a separate incident; after the safety car ended he pitted from ninth place and rejoined the track thirteenth, but finished sixth. Ricciardo finished sixteenth.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-24 |title=2022 United States Grand Prix |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/united-states-grand-prix/2022-united-states-grand-prix/ |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=24 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221024141655/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/united-states-grand-prix/2022-united-states-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }}

McLaren added several track-specific features to the MCL36 at the Mexico City Grand Prix, namely an extensive cooling package and extra winglets on the rear brake ducts to improve downforce.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2022-10-29 |title=What upgrades have F1 teams brought to Mexican GP? |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-upgrades-have-f1-teams-brought-to-mexican-gp/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113071823/https://the-race.com/formula-1/what-upgrades-have-f1-teams-brought-to-mexican-gp/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified eighth, and Ricciardo qualified eleventh.{{Cite web |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2022-10-30 |title=Mexican GP: Verstappen storms to F1 pole ahead of Russell, Hamilton |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mexican-gp-verstappen-storms-to-f1-pole-ahead-of-russell-hamilton/10392424/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070322/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mexican-gp-verstappen-storms-to-f1-pole-ahead-of-russell-hamilton/10392424/ |url-status=live }} Ricciardo collided with Yuki Tsunoda and was issued with a ten-second penalty. However, Ricciardo was one of few drivers who used a medium to soft tyre strategy, and the additional pace this provided allowed him to finish seventh, even after his penalty was applied.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2022-10-31 |title=How cunning strategy allowed us to see Ricciardo back at his best in Mexico |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.monday-morning-debrief-how-cunning-strategy-allowed-us-to-see-ricciardo-back.1IsTI4AlQGjlu9n0DLrPjo.html |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070325/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.monday-morning-debrief-how-cunning-strategy-allowed-us-to-see-ricciardo-back.1IsTI4AlQGjlu9n0DLrPjo.html |url-status=live }} Norris, who was on the medium to hard strategy, finished ninth.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2022-11-02 |title=Norris: Mexico F1 strategy "a mistake" relative to McLaren teammate Ricciardo |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-mexico-strategy-mistake-ricciardo/10393570/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070339/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-mexico-strategy-mistake-ricciardo/10393570/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-01 |title=Lando Norris says rivals Alpine were quicker in Mexico – but McLaren 'did a better job' |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-says-rivals-alpine-were-quicker-in-mexico-but-mclaren-did-a-better.EzEg4bqm05Sg8hCb1yOKF.html |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070324/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-says-rivals-alpine-were-quicker-in-mexico-but-mclaren-did-a-better.EzEg4bqm05Sg8hCb1yOKF.html |url-status=live }}

File:Bottas e Norris (52498536112).jpg at the São Paulo Grand Prix. He retired from the race with electrical issues.]]

Norris fell ill before the São Paulo Grand Prix, prompting McLaren to prepare Nyck de Vries as a replacement.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2022-11-11 |title=Norris illness prompts McLaren seat fitting for de Vries |url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/11/11/norris-illness-prompts-mclaren-seat-fitting-for-de-vries/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Speedcafe.com |publisher=Speedcafe |language=en-US |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070341/https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/11/11/norris-illness-prompts-mclaren-seat-fitting-for-de-vries/ |url-status=live }} Norris was however able to participate in the weekend, qualifying fourth for the final sprint of the season, while Ricciardo qualified fourteenth.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-11 |title='I think we did a perfect job' says Norris, after recovering from illness to line up P4 for Sao Paulo Sprint |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-think-we-did-a-perfect-job-says-norris-after-recovering-from-illness-to.5JzO9SPVRgHIwtC7S0YfG7.html |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070324/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.i-think-we-did-a-perfect-job-says-norris-after-recovering-from-illness-to.5JzO9SPVRgHIwtC7S0YfG7.html |url-status=live }} Norris finished seventh in the sprint,{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2022-11-12 |title=George Russell wins Brazilian GP sprint race as Mercedes take front of grid |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/nov/12/george-russell-wins-brazilian-gp-sprint-race-as-mercedes-take-front-of-grid |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=The Guardian |oclc=60623878 |publication-place=London|language=en |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070324/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2022/nov/12/george-russell-wins-brazilian-gp-sprint-race-as-mercedes-take-front-of-grid |url-status=live }} but started the race sixth after penalties for other drivers, while Ricciardo finished eleventh.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2022-11-13 |title=Starting Grid: Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix |url=https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/11/13/starting-grid-formula-1-sao-paulo-grand-prix/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Speedcafe.com |publisher=Speedcafe |language=en-US |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070339/https://www.speedcafe.com/2022/11/13/starting-grid-formula-1-sao-paulo-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }} Ricciardo collided with Kevin Magnussen on the opening lap, which caused both to retire from the race and for Ricciardo to be awarded a three-place grid penalty for the next race.{{Cite news |last=Doyle |first=Michael |date=2022-11-14 |title=George Russell wins Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Daniel Ricciardo crashes out on first lap |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-14/daniel-ricciardo-crashes-out-of-sao-paulo-grand-prix/101649134 |access-date=2022-11-15 |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115130601/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-14/daniel-ricciardo-crashes-out-of-sao-paulo-grand-prix/101649134 |url-status=live }} The incident also required a safety car, and after the restart Norris collided with Leclerc.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-13 |title=2022 São Paulo Grand Prix |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/brazilian-grand-prix/2022-sao-paulo-grand-prix/ |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115130555/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/brazilian-grand-prix/2022-sao-paulo-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }} Although both continued the race, Norris was awarded a five-second time penalty, although he also retired from the race with electrical issues.{{Cite web |last=Dielhenn |first=James |date=2022-11-14 |title=Lando Norris reveals how illness hampered race - "I didn't eat for two days, I lost 3.5kg" |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1017186/1/norris-raced-despite-illness-didn-t-eat-two-days-lost-35kg |access-date=2022-11-15 |website=Crash |publisher=Crash Media Group |language=en |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115130554/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1017186/1/norris-raced-despite-illness-didn-t-eat-two-days-lost-35kg |url-status=live }} McLaren lost fourth to Alpine in the WCC.

The car featured a second special livery for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (see {{Section link|2=Liveries|nopage=y}}). Arrow McLaren SP IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward replaced Norris for the first practice session, fulfilling the second of the two mandatory rookie practice sessions.{{Cite web |date=2022-10-14 |title=Alex Palou and Pato O'Ward to drive for McLaren F1 in Free Practice 1 sessions |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/alex-palou-and-pato-oward-to-drive-for-mclaren-f1-in-free-practice-1-sessions/ |access-date=2022-10-22 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=22 October 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022163619/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/team/alex-palou-and-pato-oward-to-drive-for-mclaren-f1-in-free-practice-1-sessions/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-18 |title='It was such a fast-paced session' – Pato in awe after impressive FP1 debut |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/it-was-such-a-fast-paced-session-pato-in-awe-after-impressive-fp1-debut/ |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120152758/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/it-was-such-a-fast-paced-session-pato-in-awe-after-impressive-fp1-debut/ |url-status=live }} The team tested a new floor as part of the development program for their {{F1|2023}} car during free practice.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathon |date=2022-11-18 |title=McLaren tests new floor design and skate at F1 Abu Dhabi GP |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-tests-new-floor-design-and-skate-at-abu-dhabi-gp/10401531/ |access-date=2022-11-20 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120152754/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-tests-new-floor-design-and-skate-at-abu-dhabi-gp/10401531/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified seventh and Ricciardo qualified tenth, but the latter was demoted to thirteenth on the starting grid due to his penalty from the previous race.{{Cite news |last=Doyle |first=Michael |date=2022-11-20 |title=Daniel Ricciardo starts 13th in final McLaren race at F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix |language=en-AU |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-20/daniel-ricciardo-starts-final-f1-race-with-mclaren-abu-dhabi/101675916 |access-date=2022-11-20 |archive-date=20 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221120152757/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-20/daniel-ricciardo-starts-final-f1-race-with-mclaren-abu-dhabi/101675916 |url-status=live }} Norris finished sixth and set the fastest lap of the race, and Ricciardo finished ninth.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-20 |title=2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/2022-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123084813/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/2022-abu-dhabi-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }} McLaren finished the season fifth in the WCC, while Norris finished seventh and Ricciardo eleventh in the WDC.

The MCL36 remained at Yas Marina Circuit following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to be used in the annual post-season test.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-22 |title=Abu Dhabi post-season test |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/abu-dhabi-test/ |access-date=2022-11-23 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221123132520/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/2022/abu-dhabi-grand-prix/abu-dhabi-test/ |url-status=live }} Oscar Piastri, who replaced Ricciardo for {{F1|2023}}, participated in the test after Alpine agreed to release Piastri from his contract early.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2022-11-12 |title=Alpine agrees to early F1 contract exit for Piastri |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/alpine-agrees-early-contract-exit-piastri/10398474/ |access-date=2022-11-13 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=13 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113070323/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/alpine-agrees-early-contract-exit-piastri/10398474/ |url-status=live }} Piastri drove the car as run in the season and completed 123 laps, while Norris tested the 2023 Pirelli compounds over 115 laps.

Both drivers stated that the MCL36 did not suit their driving style or provide the characteristics they thought desirable in a racing car. Norris said that braking and cornering could be inconsistent, even from corner to corner and that the car did not perform consistently across different circuits.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2022-08-29 |editor-last=Dunn |editor-first=Joe |title=Norris on Ricciardo's issues: 'That's life – you adapt to the car' |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/norris-on-ricciardos-issues-thats-life-you-adapt-to-the-car |url-access=limited |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Motor Sport |publisher=Motor Sport Magazine Limited |location=London |language=en-GB |issn=0027-2019 |archive-date=5 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220905081256/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/norris-on-ricciardos-issues-thats-life-you-adapt-to-the-car |url-status=live }} This inconsistency was primarily attributed to an aerodynamically weak front end, particularly noticeable in slow-speed corners.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2022-08-09 |title=Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of every car on the 2022 Formula 1 grid |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-assessing-the-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-every-car-on-the-2022.5NvHUQb5fl03U5J1xCnPJc.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220831040310/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-assessing-the-strengths-and-weaknesses-of-every-car-on-the-2022.5NvHUQb5fl03U5J1xCnPJc.html |archive-date=31 August 2022 |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}} Mark Hughes said that the MCL36 "lacked entry stability but could still suffer mid-corner understeer".{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2022-12-18 |title=Flawed and unwieldy, 2022 McLaren was flattered by its peaks |url=https://the-race.com/formula-1/flawed-and-unwieldy-the-22-mclaren-was-flattered-by-its-peaks/ |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=The Race |language=en-GB |archive-date=21 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221221115603/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/flawed-and-unwieldy-the-22-mclaren-was-flattered-by-its-peaks/ |url-status=live }} The car did have sufficient pace to challenge the Alpine A522 for fourth place in the WCC, but ultimately lost, a result partly attributed to Ricciardo's persistent struggles with McLaren cars.

The MCL36 did appear to be aerodynamically efficient at tracks with lower downforce requirements and experienced very little porpoising. During set-up, there was typically a trade-off between high downforce and balance, with balance being sacrificed to achieve better laptimes with higher downforce settings. The car generally seemed competitive over a single lap in qualifying, but suffered over the course of a full race distance. This was largely credited to the car's effectiveness in heating the Pirelli tyres to their operating window, tempered by its difficulty to preserve them over longer distances.{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2022-08-10 |title=McLaren explains gaps between qualifying and race pace |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-explains-gaps-between-qualifying-and-race-pace/10350872/ |access-date=2022-09-08 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=11 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220811160520/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-explains-gaps-between-qualifying-and-race-pace/10350872/ |url-status=live }} Key said he "could write a book" on the MCL36's tyre difficulties,{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2022-12-29 |title=Why 18-inch F1 tyres hindered McLaren's 2022 progress |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-18-inch-f1-tyres-hindered-mclarens-2022-progress/10415292/ |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=7 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107061257/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-18-inch-f1-tyres-hindered-mclarens-2022-progress/10415292/ |url-status=live }} which largely arose because the front tyres were heated very quickly: a useful trait in qualifying, it meant they degraded quickly over a race distance and complicated set-up.

The car suffered only five retirements over the course of the season, completing 91.96% of the scheduled distance, making it the third most reliable car in the 2022 season.{{Cite web |date=2022-12-29 |title=Our 2022 Formula 1 season in numbers |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/our-2022-formula-1-season-numbers/ |access-date=2023-01-07 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en |archive-date=7 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230107045544/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/inside-the-mtc/our-2022-formula-1-season-numbers/ |url-status=live }}

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown later stated that the disappointing French Grand Prix upgrade package would serve as catalyst for restructuring McLaren's technical team in 2023, which produced a major in-season overhaul of the MCL60 and returned McLaren to competitive form.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |last2=Kalinauckas |first2=Alex |date=2024-01-10 |title=McLaren: 2022 French GP setback a catalyst for shock F1 turnaround |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-2022-french-gp-setback-catalyst-shock-f1-turnaround/10563704/ |access-date=2024-01-11 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=10 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110215841/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-2022-french-gp-setback-catalyst-shock-f1-turnaround/10563704/ |url-status=live }}

The MCL36 was run in private tests at Circuit Paul Ricard by McLaren in February 2024, driven by Piastri and 2024 reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa.{{Cite web |date=2024-02-02 |title=Ryo Hirakawa hasn’t wasted a second since joining our Driver Development programme |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula-1/2024/ryo-hirakawa-hasnt-wasted-a-second-since-joining-our-driver-development-programme/ |access-date=2024-02-04 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en-GB |archive-date=4 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240204023903/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula-1/2024/ryo-hirakawa-hasnt-wasted-a-second-since-joining-our-driver-development-programme/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-02-13 |title=Lando and Oscar “back into the swing of things” after MCL36 test |url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula-1/2024/lando-and-oscar-back-into-the-swing-of-things-after-mcl36-test/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=McLaren Racing |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |language=en-GB |archive-date=17 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240217091939/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula-1/2024/lando-and-oscar-back-into-the-swing-of-things-after-mcl36-test/ |url-status=live }} Later the same month, the MCL36 was tested at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya by Norris, Piastri, and McLaren test drivers Will Stevens and Oliver Turvey. In March, the car was tested at the Imola Circuit by Piastri and Hirakawa.{{Cite web |last=Rauli |first=Giacomo |date=2024-03-13 |title=McLaren: test a Imola con la MCL36. Oggi c'è Piastri |url=https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-mclaren-2-test-a-imola-con-la-mcl36-oggi-ce-piastri/10587114/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Motorsport.com Italy |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=it}} In September, it was run at the Red Bull Ring in a private test for Gabriel Bortoleto, a McLaren development driver competing in Formula 2.{{Cite web |last=Wood |first=Ida |date=2024-09-07 |title=Gabriel Bortoleto conducts first F1 test with McLaren at Red Bull Ring |url=https://formulascout.com/gabriel-bortoleto-conducts-first-f1-test-with-mclaren-at-red-bull-ring/123451 |access-date=2024-09-07 |website=Formula Scout |language=en-US}} Later the same month, McLaren ran a multi-day test at Silverstone in which Brown drove an MCL35M and O'Ward drove an MCL36.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Sam |date=2024-09-27 |title=Surprise name drives alongside Pato O'Ward in latest McLaren F1 test |url=https://www.planetf1.com/news/mclaren-test-zak-brown-silverstone-pato-oward-f1 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=PlanetF1 |language=en}} Hirakawa and former AlphaTauri driver Nyck de Vries tested the car at Circuit Paul Ricard in November.{{Cite web |last=Nixon |first=Toby |date=2024-11-22 |title=A shock Formula 1 return on the cards for De Vries? 'We're evaluating him' |url=https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/313958/a-shock-formula-1-return-on-the-cards-for-de-vries-we-re-evaluating-him.html |access-date=2024-11-25 |website=GPblog |language=en}}

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{{Cite book |last=Wittich |first=Steve |title=McLaren Racing 2022 Yearbook |last2=Youson |first2=Matt |publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd. |year=2023 |editor-last=Almeida |editor-first=Sophie |location=Woking |language=en |editor-last2=Yeomans |editor-first2=Georgina}}

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MP4-36

McLaren MCL36