McLaren MCL38#Complete Formula One results

{{Infobox racing car

| Car_name = McLaren MCL38

| Constructor = McLaren

| Designer = Rob Marshall {{small|(Chief Designer)}}{{efn|Marshall initially worked as Technical Director, Engineering and Design until the design team was restructured in April 2024.}}
{{Collapsible list

|title=Other designers

|1=Peter Prodromou {{small|(Technical Director, Aerodynamics)}}

|2=Neil Houldey {{small|(Technical Director, Engineering)}}{{efn|Houldey joined the design team from April 2024.}}

|3=Mark Temple {{small|(Technical Director, Performance)}}{{efn|Temple joined the design team from May 2024.}}

|4=Andrea Stella {{small|(Technical Director, Performance)}}{{efn|Stella worked on the design team on an interim basis between April and May 2024.}}

|5=David Sanchez {{small|(Technical Director, Car Concept and Performance)}}{{efn|Sanchez worked on the design team from January to April 2024.}}

}}

| Predecessor = McLaren MCL60

| Successor = McLaren MCL39

| Team = McLaren F1 Team

| Technical ref = {{cite web|title=What is the technical specification of our 2024 Formula 1 car?|url=https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula-1/2024/mclaren-mcl38-technical-specification/|work=McLaren Racing|publisher=McLaren Racing Ltd.|date=15 February 2024|accessdate=26 April 2024|archive-date=1 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240501100909/https://www.mclaren.com/racing/formula-1/2024/mclaren-mcl38-technical-specification/|url-status=live}}

| Chassis = Carbon fibre composite

| Front suspension = Carbon fibre and titanium pullrod suspension legs operating inboard torsion bar and damper system

| Rear suspension = Carbon fibre and titanium pushrod suspension legs operating inboard torsion bar and damper system

| Length =

| Width =

| Height =

| Wheelbase =

| Engine name = Mercedes-AMG F1 M15 E Performance

{{convert|1.6|L|cuin|0|abbr=on}} direct injection V6 turbocharged engine limited to 15,000 RPM in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout

| Electric motor = Mercedes-AMG

Kinetic and thermal energy recovery systems

| Power =

| Battery = Lithium-ion battery

| Gearbox name = McLaren

| Gears = 8-speed + 1 reverse

| Type = sequential seamless semi-automatic transmission operated via paddle shifters

| Differential = with limited slip friction clutch epicyclic differential

| Clutch = Electro-hydraulically operated, carbon multi-plate

| Weight = 798 kg (including driver, excluding fuel)

| Tyres = Pirelli P Zero (dry)
Pirelli Cinturato (wet)

| Brakes = 6 piston calipers, carbon ventilated discs/pads

| Drivers = {{ubl|{{0}}4. Lando Norris|81. Oscar Piastri}}

| Debut = 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix

| First_win = 2024 Miami Grand Prix

| Last_win = 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

| Last_event = 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

| Races = 24

| Wins = 6

| Podiums = 21

| Poles = 8

| Fastest_laps = 7

| image = 2024-08-25 Motorsport, Formel 1, Großer Preis der Niederlande 2024 STP 3805 by Stepro.jpg

| caption = An MCL38 driven by Lando Norris during the Dutch Grand Prix

| Image_size = 270px

| cons champ = 1 ({{f1|2024}})

}}

The McLaren MCL38 is a Formula One car designed and constructed by McLaren under the direction of Rob Marshall to compete in the 2024 Formula One World Championship, in which it won the World Constructors' Championship. The car was driven by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, in their sixth and second seasons with the team respectively. Both Norris and Piastri achieved their first Grand Prix wins with the MCL38.

The MCL38 made its competitive début at the 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix and has since proven itself to be a competitive car and a significant improvement over its already-accomplished predecessor, the MCL60. An early upgrade package improved its performance in slow-speed corners, addressing a long-standing weakness of McLaren cars. The car has achieved six race victories, fifteen other podiums, eight poles, three sprint poles, two sprint wins, five other sprint podiums, and seven fastest laps (two being track records), all en route to McLaren's first Constructors' Championship since {{f1|1998}}.

The MCL38 was the first McLaren car to win a Grand Prix since the MCL35M in {{F1|2021}} and the first since the MP4-27 in {{F1|2012}} to win multiple Grands Prix in a single season. It was also the first McLaren car since the MP4-29 in {{F1|2014}} to lead the Constructors' Championship and the first since the MP4/13 in {{f1|1998}} to win it, doing so at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Commentators generally agreed that the MCL38 did not achieve its optimum results, particularly in regards to Norris's curtailed challenge for the World Drivers' Championship following driver and team error. Regardless, the MCL38 was consistently amongst the quickest Formula One cars of the 2024 season and exceeded McLaren's expectations. The MCL38 was the first championship-winning Formula One car to use customer engines since the Brawn BGP 001 in {{F1|2009}}.

Background

= Development context =

{{Further information|2024 Formula One World Championship#Technical regulations}}

The MCL38's predecessor, the MCL60, was initially designed by then-technical director James Key.{{cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=23 March 2023 |title=Key leaves McLaren, Sanchez returning amid technical restructure |url=https://racer.com/2023/03/23/key-leaves-mclaren-sanchez-returning-amid-technical-restructure/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324033950/https://racer.com/2023/03/23/key-leaves-mclaren-sanchez-returning-amid-technical-restructure/ |archive-date=24 March 2023 |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=RACER |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060}} It became apparent early in the 2023 season that the initial specification of the MCL60 was highly uncompetitive, and as a result Key left the team.{{cite web |date=3 January 2024 |title=Brown sets clear McLaren target for start of 2024 |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.brown-sets-clear-mclaren-target-for-start-of-2024-as-he-says-team-are.3cFyWmIoyl99s0xLS5kbZP.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240110165437/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.brown-sets-clear-mclaren-target-for-start-of-2024-as-he-says-team-are.3cFyWmIoyl99s0xLS5kbZP.html |archive-date=10 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}} Existing employees Peter Prodromou and Neil Houldey were promoted to lead the design department. David Sanchez was hired from Scuderia Ferrari as part of the technical restructure, but was placed on gardening leave until the beginning of 2024; he left the position in April 2024, three months into his contract.{{Cite web |last=Suttill |first=Josh |date=2024-04-02 |title=McLaren's big ex-Ferrari F1 hire out after three months |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-reshuffle-ex-ferrari-f1-hire-david-sanchez-out-after-three-months/ |access-date=2024-04-04 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=7 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240407152757/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-reshuffle-ex-ferrari-f1-hire-david-sanchez-out-after-three-months/ |url-status=live }}

Following Key's departure from the team, the new technical team implemented several rounds of mid-season upgrades for the MCL60 that resulted in a turnaround for the team's performance.{{cite web |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |date=8 August 2023 |title=McLaren's turnaround has been spectacular – but can they now push on to challenge Red Bull? |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.barretto-mclarens-turnaround-has-been-spectacular-but-can-they-now-push-on.52OS9YFh9YREBtJivsRwa6.html |url-access=registration |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807163415/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.barretto-mclarens-turnaround-has-been-spectacular-but-can-they-now-push-on.52OS9YFh9YREBtJivsRwa6.html |archive-date=7 August 2023 |access-date=7 August 2023 |website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Hughes |first1=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=22 August 2023 |title=The best car, best upgrade and biggest disappointment of 2023 so far |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-the-best-car-best-upgrade-and-biggest-disappointment-of-2023-so.1Xteai3Fjoj1laowrfmUKv.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230823030903/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-the-best-car-best-upgrade-and-biggest-disappointment-of-2023-so.1Xteai3Fjoj1laowrfmUKv.html |archive-date=23 August 2023 |access-date=23 August 2023 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}} Journalist Lawrence Barretto observed that the radical changes on the MCL60 had opened up ample development opportunities for McLaren to pursue on the MCL38.

= Early development =

File:Norris & Piastri on the grid - Chinese GP 2024.jpg]]

McLaren had previously used a wind tunnel in Cologne owned by Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe and previously used by the Toyota Formula One Team.{{cite web |last1=Gale |first1=Ewan |last2=Rencken |first2=Dieter |date=28 June 2023 |title=Exclusive: Brown insists no Toyota blame for McLaren facility investment |url=https://racingnews365.com/exclusive-brown-insists-no-toyota-influence-on-new-mclaren-facility |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en |archive-date=1 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801130856/https://racingnews365.com/exclusive-brown-insists-no-toyota-influence-on-new-mclaren-facility |url-status=live }} This arrangement posed a major challenge for the team, as parts had to be shipped from the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking, England to Germany in order to be tested. The team had invested in a wind tunnel of their own, which had been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.{{cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=1 August 2023 |title=McLaren pushing to sign off final F1 'conceptual evolution' update for 2023 car |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-pushing-to-sign-off-final-conceptual-evolution-update-for-f1-2023-car/10502886/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230801130910/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-pushing-to-sign-off-final-conceptual-evolution-update-for-f1-2023-car/10502886/ |archive-date=1 August 2023 |access-date=1 August 2023 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} McLaren began development of the MCL38 in July 2023.{{cite web |last=Haupt |first=Andreas |date=8 November 2023 |title=McLarens beste Saisonleistung: Der große Red-Bull-Rivale 2024? |url=https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-1/mclaren-wende-wm-kampf-2024/ |access-date=10 November 2023 |website=Auto Motor und Sport |language=de |issn=0005-0806 |archive-date=29 November 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231129080635/https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-1/mclaren-wende-wm-kampf-2024/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Filisetti |first=Paolo |last2=Walsh |first2=Fergal |date=2024-02-15 |title=McLaren takes sensible approach with new F1 car |url=https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-takes-sensible-approach-with-new-f1-car |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215110222/https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-takes-sensible-approach-with-new-f1-car |url-status=live }} The wind tunnel was ready for operations in August, and models began to be tested in the tunnel that same month.{{cite web |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |date=8 August 2023 |title=McLaren's turnaround has been spectacular – but can they now push on to challenge Red Bull? |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.barretto-mclarens-turnaround-has-been-spectacular-but-can-they-now-push-on.52OS9YFh9YREBtJivsRwa6.html |url-access=registration |access-date=7 August 2023 |website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=7 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230807163415/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.barretto-mclarens-turnaround-has-been-spectacular-but-can-they-now-push-on.52OS9YFh9YREBtJivsRwa6.html |url-status=live }} McLaren reported good correlation as well as cost and time savings.{{cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=8 September 2023 |title=McLaren getting 'massive advantage' from new wind tunnel |url=https://racer.com/2023/09/08/mclaren-getting-massive-advantage-from-new-wind-tunnel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230917073212/https://racer.com/2023/09/08/mclaren-getting-massive-advantage-from-new-wind-tunnel/ |archive-date=17 September 2023 |access-date=9 September 2023 |website=RACER |place=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060}} Team principal Andrea Stella said in September 2023 that early data was encouraging, but stressed that McLaren couldn't know how fast they were developing compared to other teams.{{cite web |last=D'Alessandro |first=Gianluca |date=28 September 2023 |title=Stella: "I primi dati sulla vettura 2024 sono incoraggianti" |trans-title=Stella: "The first data on the 2024 car is encouraging" |url=https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-stella-i-primi-dati-sulla-vettura-2024-sono-incoraggianti/10526393/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117092845/https://it.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-stella-i-primi-dati-sulla-vettura-2024-sono-incoraggianti/10526393/ |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=29 September 2023 |website=Motorsport.com Italy |language=it}}

Of particular concern was driveability, which long-time driver Norris had observed was poor in all McLarens he had driven.{{cite web |last=Kew |first=Matt |date=17 February 2023 |title=Norris wants better behaved McLaren F1 car, not ultimate performance |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-wants-better-behaved-mclaren-f1-car-not-ultimate-performance/10433281/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217110402/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-wants-better-behaved-mclaren-f1-car-not-ultimate-performance/10433281/ |archive-date=17 February 2023 |access-date=17 February 2023 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}}{{cite web |date=9 August 2023 |title=Norris has 'more hope than last few years' that McLaren can sort chief limitation that makes car 'difficult to drive' |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-has-more-hope-than-last-few-years-that-mclaren-can-sort-chief.7AEUH2VCurrz1nI9coZyBJ.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811055822/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-has-more-hope-than-last-few-years-that-mclaren-can-sort-chief.7AEUH2VCurrz1nI9coZyBJ.html |archive-date=11 August 2023 |access-date=9 August 2023 |website=Formula1.com|publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}} Stella speculated that although the mid-season upgrades delivered to the MCL60 radically improved performance, they may have introduced undesirable handling traits which would have to be investigated during the development of the MCL38.{{cite web |last=Kew |first=Matt |date=26 November 2023 |title=McLaren must investigate whether F1 upgrades have introduced bad handling traits |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-must-investigate-whether-f1-upgrades-have-introduced-bad-handling-traits/10551917/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231126135550/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-must-investigate-whether-f1-upgrades-have-introduced-bad-handling-traits/10551917/ |archive-date=26 November 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=26 November 2023 |title=McLaren's hypothesis for Norris's rate of 'stupid mistakes' |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lando-norris-stupid-mistakes-mclaren-hypothesis/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231127071613/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lando-norris-stupid-mistakes-mclaren-hypothesis/ |archive-date=27 November 2023 |access-date=27 November 2023 |website=The Race |language=en}} Some of these driveability improvements were installed on the launch specification, but others were delivered later in the season.{{cite web |last1=Noble |first1=Jonathan |last2=Kalinauckas |first2=Alex |date=22 January 2024 |title=McLaren solution to eradicate F1 update quirks may take "a few months" |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-solution-eradicate-f1-update-quirks-take-months/10567605/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125010041/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-solution-eradicate-f1-update-quirks-take-months/10567605/ |archive-date=25 January 2024 |access-date=25 January 2024 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} Further, Stella said that the development programme would prioritise improving tyre degradation, McLaren's main weakness compared to field-leading Red Bull Racing, which would require mechanical as well as aerodynamic changes.{{cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=15 November 2023 |title=McLaren: 2024 F1 car changes have to go beyond just aero |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-f1-2024-car-changes-beyond-aero/10546501/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231115110146/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-f1-2024-car-changes-beyond-aero/10546501/ |archive-date=15 November 2023 |access-date=29 November 2023 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}}

McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown said that the team wanted to start the 2024 season where it had finished the 2023 season, and stated that he was optimistic about the MCL38's development. Stella said McLaren's focus was on achieving their development goals rather than a specific result,{{cite web |last1=Cleeren |first1=Filip |last2=Kalinauckas |first2=Alex |date=11 January 2024 |title=McLaren setting development targets, not results, as its F1 2024 goals |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-setting-development-targets-not-results-as-its-f1-2024-goals/10564681/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240113120135/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-setting-development-targets-not-results-as-its-f1-2024-goals/10564681/ |archive-date=13 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} and said that the team had not hit a point of diminishing returns and found its progress to still be linear and sustainable.{{cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=16 January 2024 |title=Mark Hughes on McLaren's worrying Red Bull theory |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-stark-red-bull-warning/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117092859/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-stark-red-bull-warning/ |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=The Race |language=en}}{{cite web |last1=Galloway |first1=James |last2=Slater |first2=Craig |date=16 January 2024 |title=McLaren reveal fresh F1 2024 livery and make new Lando Norris contract 'high priority' |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13049406/mclaren-say-lando-norris-f1-contract-extension-high-priority-as-team-eye-more-with-new-look-livery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240116172248/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13049406/mclaren-say-lando-norris-f1-contract-extension-high-priority-as-team-eye-more-with-new-look-livery |archive-date=16 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=Sky Sports F1 |publisher=Sky Group |language=en}} Stella theorised that McLaren may still struggle to match Red Bull Racing, who dominated the 2023 season, suggesting that Red Bull's lack of upgrades in 2023 meant they had built up a substantial backlog of improvements.

According to Stella, the team set three main goals for the MCL38: improving aerodynamic efficiency, mechanical grip, and tyre performance.{{cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |last2=Kew |first2=Matt |date=2024-02-14 |title=McLaren targets early F1 2024 upgrades in three key areas |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-targets-early-f1-2024-upgrades-in-three-key-areas/10575892/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214214823/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-targets-early-f1-2024-upgrades-in-three-key-areas/10575892/ |url-status=live }} The car as initially presented to the public had several areas concealed.{{cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |date=2024-02-15 |title=Norris: McLaren hiding aero details due to "game of performance" |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-mclaren-hiding-aero-details-game-performance/10576036/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215161200/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-mclaren-hiding-aero-details-game-performance/10576036/ |url-status=live }} However, the MCL38 at its launch featured new front brake duct inlets, sidepod inlets, floor edge, and revised suspension layouts for the front and rear.{{cite web |last=Anderson |first=Gary |author-link=Gary Anderson (motorsport) |date=2024-02-14 |title=Gary Anderson on 2024 McLaren and its 'surprise' change |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-mclaren-verdict-suspension-inlet-mcl38-2024-f1-car/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422062010/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/gary-anderson-mclaren-verdict-suspension-inlet-mcl38-2024-f1-car/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |date=2024-02-14 |title=The new directions McLaren has found with its evolutionary MCL38 |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-new-directions-mclaren-has-found-with-its-evolutionary-mcl38/10575734/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=15 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240215041726/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-new-directions-mclaren-has-found-with-its-evolutionary-mcl38/10575734/ |url-status=live }} Gary Anderson, writing for The Race, concluded that the changes visible on the launch specification car were intended to produce more controlled suspension, improving the MCL38's aerodynamic profile.

= Liveries =

File:2024 McLaren MCL38.jpg

{{See also|Formula One sponsorship liveries#McLaren}}The MCL38 featured a livery similar to the one used on the MCL36 and MCL60, dominated by papaya orange and exposed carbon fibre (which McLaren referred to as anthracite).{{cite web |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=16 January 2024 |title=McLaren reveals new-look 2024 F1 livery ahead of MCL38 launch |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-reveals-new-look-2024-f1-livery-ahead-of-mcl38-launch/10566294/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117092844/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-reveals-new-look-2024-f1-livery-ahead-of-mcl38-launch/10566294/ |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}}{{cite web |last=Suttill |first=Josh |date=16 January 2024 |title=McLaren reveals 2024 F1 livery in surprise early launch |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-2024-livery-reveal-f1/ |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=17 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117092949/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-2024-livery-reveal-f1/ |url-status=live }} Two changes were inspired by one-off variant liveries used on the MCL60: the increase in exposed carbon fibre which was used in the "Stealth Mode" livery, and the use of chrome elements as in the British Grand Prix livery.{{cite web |last=Nichol |first=Jake |date=16 January 2024 |title=McLaren reveals 2024 livery as MCL38 launch date announced |url=https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-reveals-2024-livery-as-mcl38-launch-date-announced |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240117092846/https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-reveals-2024-livery-as-mcl38-launch-date-announced |archive-date=17 January 2024 |access-date=17 January 2024 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en}} The livery does not include any blue, which had been a prominent feature of every full-season McLaren livery since the MCL33 which competed in {{F1|2018}}.

McLaren again collaborated with sponsor Vuse to run a special livery featuring the work of a local artist, in this case a design by MILTZ for the Japanese Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2024-04-03 |title=McLaren unveils first one-off 2024 F1 livery for Japan GP |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-unveils-first-one-off-2024-f1-livery-for-japan-gp/10594330/ |access-date=2024-04-03 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408134016/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-unveils-first-one-off-2024-f1-livery-for-japan-gp/10594330/ |url-status=live }} A second special livery – in the colours of the flag of Brazil (yellow, green, and blue) – was used for the Monaco Grand Prix to mark the thirtieth anniversary of the death of Ayrton Senna, who won his three World Drivers' Championships with the team.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-21 |title=McLaren unveil Senna-inspired livery for Monaco Grand Prix |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/mclaren-unveil-special-ayrton-senna-inspired-livery-for-2024-monaco-grand.7e2wmR25HF4mX3scPjZjz9 |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521132349/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/mclaren-unveil-special-ayrton-senna-inspired-livery-for-2024-monaco-grand.7e2wmR25HF4mX3scPjZjz9 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Nate |date=2024-05-21 |title=McLaren unveils Senna tribute car for Monaco GP |url=https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/40189393/mclaren-unveils-ayrton-senna-tribute-livery-monaco-gp |access-date=2024-05-21 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN Inc. |language=en |archive-date=21 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240521132348/https://www.espn.com.au/f1/story/_/id/40189393/mclaren-unveils-ayrton-senna-tribute-livery-monaco-gp |url-status=live }} A third special livery inspired by the team's "MP4 era" titled "Legend Reborn" and sponsored by OKX was introduced for the Singapore Grand Prix. It replaced the anthracite with white to evoke the McLaren liveries of 1981–86.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-19 |title=McLaren become latest F1 team to reveal special Singapore livery with nod to past |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/mclaren-become-latest-f1-team-to-reveal-special-singapore-livery-with-nod-to.5H65SnudCCJg78iLY64iuw |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |archive-date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919114943/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/mclaren-become-latest-f1-team-to-reveal-special-singapore-livery-with-nod-to.5H65SnudCCJg78iLY64iuw |url-status=live }} The Google Chrome chrome livery, which was last used at the 2023 British Grand Prix, returned for the 2024 United States Grand Prix.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-16 |title=McLaren become latest F1 team to reveal Austin livery as they bring back chrome design |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/mclaren-become-latest-team-to-unveil-austin-livery-as-team-bring-back-chrome.2y7qjuLUGlzKG8O792SDBH |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration}}

Competition and development history

= Pre-season =

Stella stated that not all the new developments McLaren had planned for the MCL38 had been ready in time for the launch specification car, but would become early season upgrades.

The car first ran on track during a filming day at Silverstone Circuit in February, driven by both drivers ahead of the official pre-season test at Bahrain International Circuit.{{cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=2024-02-14 |title=What McLaren's hiding on its new F1 car |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/2024-mclaren-f1-car-mcl38-what-is-hidden/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422061910/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/2024-mclaren-f1-car-mcl38-what-is-hidden/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-02-15 |title=Piastri cuts first laps in 2024 McLaren |url=https://speedcafe.com/piastri-cuts-first-laps-in-2024-mclaren/ |access-date=2024-02-17 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-AU |archive-date=14 February 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214220520/https://speedcafe.com/piastri-cuts-first-laps-in-2024-mclaren/ |url-status=live }} Stella said that the MCL38 performed as expected during the pre-season test, and that its most significant gain over the MCL60 was its increased rear grip.

= Opening rounds =

The MCL38 featured a new front wing, sidepod inlet, floor, engine cover, and beam{{Efn|The beam wing is a secondary aerodynamic device located below the rear wing. It complements the rear wing by creating a low-pressure area at the rear of the car. This accelerates the rate of airflow through the venturi tunnels, increasing the downforce generated by the ground effect.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=1 February 2022 |title=How the rear wing of the 2022 car has been designed to be an F1 gamechanger |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-how-the-rear-wing-of-the-2022-car-has-been-designed-to-be-an-f1.70dkHlnyP8DiGDDnMf3tzU.html |access-date=17 September 2023 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=28 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528094916/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.tech-tuesday-how-the-rear-wing-of-the-2022-car-has-been-designed-to-be-an-f1.70dkHlnyP8DiGDDnMf3tzU.html |url-status=live }}}} and rear wings for the Bahrain Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2024-02-29 |title=Technical updates: 2024 Bahrain Grand Prix |url=https://racer.com/2024/02/29/technical-updates-2024-bahrain-grand-prix/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=RACER |place=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308062251/https://racer.com/2024/02/29/technical-updates-2024-bahrain-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified seventh and finished sixth, while Piastri qualified and finished eighth.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-04 |title=Norris hopeful McLaren can hit back against rivals |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-hopeful-mclaren-can-hit-back-against-rivals-after-not-nice-car.3ZCw4MndgVUWf116NKF9Kg.html |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308062251/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.norris-hopeful-mclaren-can-hit-back-against-rivals-after-not-nice-car.3ZCw4MndgVUWf116NKF9Kg.html |url-status=live }} Both drivers suggested they could have qualified in the top three had they set error-free laps.{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2024-03-02 |title=McLaren had pace for "second or third" on tight Bahrain F1 grid |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-drivers-reckon-they-had-pace-for-second-row-amid-tight-bahrain-f1-grid/10582121/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=8 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308062254/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-drivers-reckon-they-had-pace-for-second-row-amid-tight-bahrain-f1-grid/10582121/ |url-status=live }} The result meant Norris and Piastri left the opening round in sixth and eighth respectively in the World Drivers' Championship (WDC), while McLaren was classified fourth in the World Constructors' Championship (WCC).

The car was fitted with modified rear and beam wings for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2024-03-07 |title=Technical updates: 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix |url=https://racer.com/2024/03/07/technical-updates-2024-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=RACER |publisher=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060 |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309200247/https://racer.com/2024/03/07/technical-updates-2024-saudi-arabian-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }} Piastri qualified fifth and finished fourth, while Norris qualified sixth and finished eighth.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Fergal |date=2024-03-09 |title=Piastri reveals secrets behind improved McLaren qualifying |url=https://racingnews365.com/piastri-reveals-secrets-behind-improved-mclaren-qualifying |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en |archive-date=9 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240309142115/https://racingnews365.com/piastri-reveals-secrets-behind-improved-mclaren-qualifying |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-03-09 |title=Norris insists strategy gamble worth a shot in Jeddah |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-insists-strategy-gamble-worth-a-shot-as-piastri-left-very-happy-with.4KVt5Fq4rgqSoJJlQr6DhP |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=19 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240319003816/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-insists-strategy-gamble-worth-a-shot-as-piastri-left-very-happy-with.4KVt5Fq4rgqSoJJlQr6DhP |url-status=live }} The drivers respectively moved up to fifth and down to eighth in the WDC, while McLaren moved up to third in the WCC.

Norris qualified fourth and Piastri sixth for the Australian Grand Prix, and were both promoted a place on the starting grid by a penalty for another driver.{{Cite web |date=2024-03-23 |title=Norris delighted with ‘better than expected’ qualifying |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-delighted-with-better-than-expected-qualifying-in-australia-after.5LLQDdaaXr5lu9ZTFSE1EN |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=23 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323115021/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-delighted-with-better-than-expected-qualifying-in-australia-after.5LLQDdaaXr5lu9ZTFSE1EN |url-status=live }} Norris finished third and Piastri fourth, a result which moved Norris up to sixth in the WDC.

File:MCL38 at the Japanese GP.jpg The MCL38 featured a special livery for the Japanese Grand Prix (see {{Section link|2=Liveries|nopage=y}}), and McLaren fitted the car with new front brake duct inlets.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2024-04-05 |title=Technical updates: 2024 Japanese Grand Prix |url=https://racer.com/2024/04/05/technical-updates-2024-japanese-grand-prix/ |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=RACER |place=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060 |archive-date=6 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240406205122/https://racer.com/2024/04/05/technical-updates-2024-japanese-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified third but finished fifth.{{Cite web |last=Cooper |first=Adam |last2=Vording |first2=Ronald |date=2024-04-08 |title=Stella defends McLaren F1 team strategy in "complex" Japanese GP |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/stella-defends-mclaren-f1-team-strategy-in-complex-japanese-gp/10596417/ |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=15 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415193438/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/stella-defends-mclaren-f1-team-strategy-in-complex-japanese-gp/10596417/ |url-status=live }} Piastri qualified sixth and finished eighth,{{Cite web |date=2024-04-07 |title=Norris concedes 'Ferraris on another level' as Piastri rues 'not his best' weekend in Japan |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-concedes-ferraris-on-another-level-as-piastri-rues-not-his-best.51CpoFMgv89PmxmJjAzbYf |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=13 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240413100142/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-concedes-ferraris-on-another-level-as-piastri-rues-not-his-best.51CpoFMgv89PmxmJjAzbYf |url-status=live }} losing places late in the race after making an error.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=2024-04-09 |title=McLaren's gained on Red Bull - but not where it needs to most |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/where-mclarens-gained-in-f1-2024-so-far-and-whats-it-lost/ |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422062018/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/where-mclarens-gained-in-f1-2024-so-far-and-whats-it-lost/ |url-status=live }} In the WDC, Norris overtook Piastri for fifth.

File:Lando Norris,Chinese GP 2024 SQ.jpg McLaren expected that the car would be uncompetitive at the Chinese Grand Prix given the quantity of low-speed corners at Shanghai International Circuit, in which the MCL38 typically underperformed (see {{Section link|2=Assessment and characteristics|nopage=y}}).{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2024-04-15 |title=McLaren F1 team bracing for "damage limitation" in Chinese GP |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-bracing-for-damage-limitation-in-chinese-gp/10599010/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=17 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240417195858/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-bracing-for-damage-limitation-in-chinese-gp/10599010/ |url-status=live }} In a wet sprint qualifying session, Norris qualified on pole position.{{Cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |date=2024-04-19 |title=Norris' China F1 sprint pole lap down to "all-or-nothing" approach |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-china-f1-sprint-pole-lap-down-to-all-or-nothing-approach/10600484/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420155041/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-china-f1-sprint-pole-lap-down-to-all-or-nothing-approach/10600484/ |url-status=live }} Piastri, who qualified eighth for the sprint, suffered an issue with his car's transmission, which malfunctioned and shifted into neutral during his qualifying lap.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2024-04-19 |title=What's behind McLaren's outstanding China F1 pace |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-mclaren-outstanding-china-f1-pace/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420014956/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-mclaren-outstanding-china-f1-pace/ |url-status=live }} In the sprint, Norris had a poor start and finished sixth, and Piastri finished seventh.{{Cite news |last=Doyle |first=Michael |date=2024-04-20 |title=Max Verstappen beats Lewis Hamilton to win F1 Chinese sprint race |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-20/max-verstappen-beats-lewis-hamilton-chinese-sprint-race/103306304 |access-date=2024-04-22 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |language=en-AU |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420194159/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-20/max-verstappen-beats-lewis-hamilton-chinese-sprint-race/103306304 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2024-04-20 |title=Norris had no reason to apologise for F1 sprint showing, says McLaren |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-had-no-reason-to-apologise-for-f1-sprint-showing-says-mclaren/10600939/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420131810/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-had-no-reason-to-apologise-for-f1-sprint-showing-says-mclaren/10600939/ |url-status=live }} For the Grand Prix, Norris and Piastri qualified fourth and fifth respectively.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Fergal |last2=Parkes |first2=Ian |date=2024-04-20 |title=Top-five McLaren ‘out of position’ on Chinese GP grid |url=https://racingnews365.com/top-five-mclaren-out-of-position-on-chinese-gp-grid |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en |archive-date=20 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420171535/https://racingnews365.com/top-five-mclaren-out-of-position-on-chinese-gp-grid |url-status=live }} In a race twice interrupted by safety car periods, Norris moved up to finish second.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2024-04-21 |title=Superb Norris stunned Ferrari - and McLaren |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-lando-norris-chinese-gp-f1-ferrari-mclaren-stunned/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=22 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240422061909/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-lando-norris-chinese-gp-f1-ferrari-mclaren-stunned/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2024-04-21 |title=Max Verstappen charges to F1 Chinese GP victory with Lando Norris second |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/21/max-verstappen-f1-chinese-grand-prix-victory-report-lando-norris-second |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421103434/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/apr/21/max-verstappen-f1-chinese-grand-prix-victory-report-lando-norris-second |archive-date=21 April 2024 |access-date=2024-04-22 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}} Piastri, however, was struck by Daniel Ricciardo, and finished eighth with significant damage to his diffuser.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-04-22 |title=Piastri rejects Stroll’s claim after Chinese shunt |url=https://speedcafe.com/piastri-rejects-strolls-claim-after-chinese-shunt/ |access-date=2024-04-22 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-AU |archive-date=21 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240421225114/https://speedcafe.com/piastri-rejects-strolls-claim-after-chinese-shunt/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-22 |title=Piastri spent much of Chinese GP in ‘damage limitation’ |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/piastri-admits-spending-much-of-chinese-gp-in-damage-limitation-mode-after.5844zqk2426WiWa2VaxakT |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=25 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425194150/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/piastri-admits-spending-much-of-chinese-gp-in-damage-limitation-mode-after.5844zqk2426WiWa2VaxakT |url-status=live }}

= Miami upgrade package =

At the Miami Grand Prix, McLaren introduced a range of upgrades to the MCL38. This included a new front wing, new front suspension geometry and updated rear suspension, revised front and rear brake ducts and winglets, new floor, revised sidepod inlet, and a new engine cover and bodywork including a new louvre arrangement.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-05-04 |title=F1 UPGRADES: Huge upgrade for McLaren in Miami |url=https://speedcafe.com/f1-upgrades-huge-upgrade-for-mclaren-in-miami/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-AU |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504040531/https://speedcafe.com/f1-upgrades-huge-upgrade-for-mclaren-in-miami/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2024-05-03 |title=Big packages for McLaren and Mercedes among Miami F1 upgrades |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-mercedes-upgrades-miami-gp-f1-declared/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504040509/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-mercedes-upgrades-miami-gp-f1-declared/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Gary |author-link=Gary Anderson (motorsport) |date=2024-05-10 |title=Gary Anderson's verdict on McLaren's race-winning F1 upgrade |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-race-winning-f1-upgrade-gary-anderson-explains/ |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=21 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621112020/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-race-winning-f1-upgrade-gary-anderson-explains/ |url-status=live }} Aside from these performance upgrades, the car also featured a circuit-specific beam wing. Brown called the upgraded MCL38 "almost a B-spec car",{{Cite web |last=Suttill |first=Josh |date=2024-05-03 |title=Upgraded McLaren flies then flops and hands Verstappen pole |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/miami-grand-prix-f1-sprint-qualifying-report-max-verstappen-pole-mclaren-flops/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504040604/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/miami-grand-prix-f1-sprint-qualifying-report-max-verstappen-pole-mclaren-flops/ |url-status=live }} and McLaren expected the upgrades to improve the car's performance across all conditions. Norris's car had all of the upgrades, while Piastri's had roughly half.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |last2=Cleeren |first2=Filip |date=2024-05-03 |title=McLaren reveals 10 key changes behind its extensive Miami F1 upgrade |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-reveals-10-key-changes-behind-its-extensive-miami-f1-upgrade/10606183/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504040524/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-reveals-10-key-changes-behind-its-extensive-miami-f1-upgrade/10606183/ |url-status=live }} Piastri qualified sixth for the sprint,{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-05-04 |title=Piastri predicts exciting Sprint after ‘terrible’ qualifying |url=https://speedcafe.com/piastri-predicts-exciting-sprint-after-terrible-qualifying/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504040523/https://speedcafe.com/piastri-predicts-exciting-sprint-after-terrible-qualifying/ |archive-date=4 May 2024 |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-AU}} and Norris qualified ninth.{{Cite web |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-05-04 |title=Norris: Miami sprint qualifying tumble down to "pushing too hard" |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-miami-sprint-qualifying-tumble-down-pushing-too-hard/10606447/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504040756/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-miami-sprint-qualifying-tumble-down-pushing-too-hard/10606447/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2024-05-03 |title=Where Miami pole slipped through Norris' fingers |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-where-miami-pole-slipped-through-norris-fingers/ |access-date=2024-05-04 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504040756/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-where-miami-pole-slipped-through-norris-fingers/ |url-status=live }} Piastri finished the sprint in sixth, whilst Norris did not finish after a first-lap incident with Stroll.{{Cite web |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-05-05 |title=Verstappen wins sprint from Leclerc; Hamilton penalised |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-miami-gp-verstappen-wins-sprint-from-leclerc-hamilton-penalised/10606749/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504230746/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-miami-gp-verstappen-wins-sprint-from-leclerc-hamilton-penalised/10606749/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2024-05-04 |title=Max Verstappen storms to Miami GP pole after earlier sprint success |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/04/max-verstappen-wins-miami-f1-gp-sprint-race |access-date=2024-05-05 |work=The Observer |publisher=Guardian Media Group |location=Miami |language=en-GB |publication-place=London |issn=0029-7712 |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504192732/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/04/max-verstappen-wins-miami-f1-gp-sprint-race |url-status=live }} Norris and Alonso both blamed Hamilton for the incident.{{Cite web |last=Larkam |first=Lewis |date=2024-05-04 |title=Lando Norris: ‘Obvious’ Lewis Hamilton to blame for race-ending crash |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1047872/1/lando-norris-obvious-lewis-hamilton-blame-race-ending-crash |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Crash.net |language=en |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505124000/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1047872/1/lando-norris-obvious-lewis-hamilton-blame-race-ending-crash |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |last2=Carlos de Celis |first2=Jose |date=2024-05-05 |title=Alonso: Hamilton will escape penalty for Turn 1 clash because he is not Spanish |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alonso-hamilton-will-escape-penalty-for-turn-1-clash-because-he-is-not-spanish/10606787/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=4 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240504212834/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/alonso-hamilton-will-escape-penalty-for-turn-1-clash-because-he-is-not-spanish/10606787/ |url-status=live }} Norris and Piastri qualified fifth and sixth respectively for the Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Bradley |first=Charles |date=2024-05-05 |title=2024 F1 Miami GP qualifying results: Verstappen takes pole |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/2024-f1-miami-gp-qualifying-results-verstappen-pole/10606893/ |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505123937/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/2024-f1-miami-gp-qualifying-results-verstappen-pole/10606893/ |url-status=live }} During the race, a pit stop cycle moved Norris into the lead, just as a safety car was called for a collision between two other cars.{{Cite web |last=Suttill |first=Josh |date=2024-05-05 |title=Lando Norris's first F1 victory at Miami GP explained |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lando-norris-first-f1-win-at-miami-gp-explained/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506015905/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/lando-norris-first-f1-win-at-miami-gp-explained/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-05-06 |title=F1 Miami GP: Norris takes advantage of safety car for maiden win |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-miami-gp-norris-safety-car-maiden-win/10607405/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=5 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505235211/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-miami-gp-norris-safety-car-maiden-win/10607405/ |url-status=live }} Norris pitted under the safety car and defended his lead to the end of the race, achieving his first Grand Prix win. Piastri was involved in several close battles with Carlos Sainz Jr., one of which resulted in damage to Piastri's front wing which required an additional pit stop, and a penalty for Sainz.{{Cite web |last=Gale |first=Ewan |date=2024-05-06 |title=Sainz penalised for Piastri contact in Miami GP, drops to fifth |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-penalised-piastri-contact-f1-miami-gp-drops-fifth/10607512/ |access-date=2024-05-06 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=6 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506015959/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/sainz-penalised-piastri-contact-f1-miami-gp-drops-fifth/10607512/ |url-status=live }} Piastri set the fastest lap of the race, but finished fourteenth and was promoted one place after a penalty for another driver. The results of the weekend meant Norris drew level on points with Sainz, and took fourth place in the WDC on the countback.

The MCL38 was fitted with circuit-specific beam and rear wings for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix,{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2024-05-17 |title=Imola F1 tech: Extensive Ferrari changes + other major upgrades |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/imola-f1-tech-the-major-packages-beyond-ferrari-upgrade/ |access-date=2024-05-18 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=18 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518044217/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/imola-f1-tech-the-major-packages-beyond-ferrari-upgrade/ |url-status=live }} and Piastri's car received the remaining upgrades.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Fergal |date=2024-05-17 |title=Crucial range of F1 upgrades unveiled at Imola |url=https://racingnews365.com/crucial-range-of-f1-upgrades-unveiled-at-imola |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en |archive-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525074707/https://racingnews365.com/crucial-range-of-f1-upgrades-unveiled-at-imola |url-status=live }} Piastri qualified second and Norris third, but Piastri was given a three-place grid penalty for impeding Kevin Magnussen: Piastri started fifth, and Norris second.{{Cite web |last=Suttill |first=Josh |date=2024-05-18 |title=Piastri loses front row start for Imola F1 race |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/piastri-magnussen-imola-penalty-f1-qualifying/ |access-date=2024-05-19 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=19 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519152530/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/piastri-magnussen-imola-penalty-f1-qualifying/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2024-05-18 |title=Max Verstappen battles back to claim Emilia-Romagna F1 GP pole |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/18/max-verstappen-battles-back-to-claim-emilia-romagna-f1-gp-pole |access-date=2024-05-19 |work=The Observer |publisher=Guardian Media Group |location=Imola |language=en-GB |publication-place=London |issn=0029-7712 |archive-date=19 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519152531/https://www.theguardian.com/sport/article/2024/may/18/max-verstappen-battles-back-to-claim-emilia-romagna-f1-gp-pole |url-status=live }} Norris finished second and Piastri fourth.{{Cite web |date=2024-05-19 |title=Max Verstappen holds off Lando Norris to win Emilia Romagna Grand Prix and extend F1 lead |url=https://apnews.com/article/emilia-romagna-f1-max-verstappen-29a0643bc5b2129776dad7f5912566f9 |access-date=2024-05-20 |website=AP News |place=Imola |language=en |publication-place=New York City |archive-date=20 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520031739/https://apnews.com/article/emilia-romagna-f1-max-verstappen-29a0643bc5b2129776dad7f5912566f9 |url-status=live }}

The car featured a special livery for the Monaco Grand Prix (see {{Section link|2=Liveries|nopage=y}}). McLaren fitted circuit-specific beam and rear wings to suit the high downforce requirements of the Circuit de Monaco.{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2024-05-24 |title=F1 team introduce Monaco rear wings as Ferrari and McLaren take on Red Bull |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/monaco-f1-rear-wings-red-bull-ferrari-mclaren/10614713/ |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=25 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240525074342/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/monaco-f1-rear-wings-red-bull-ferrari-mclaren/10614713/ |url-status=live }} Piastri and Norris qualified second and fourth respectively,{{Cite web |date=2024-05-25 |title=Monaco Grand Prix starting grid after qualifying exclusions |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/monaco-grand-prix-f1-starting-grid-2024-after-qualifying-exclusions/ |access-date=2024-05-26 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526061557/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/monaco-grand-prix-f1-starting-grid-2024-after-qualifying-exclusions/ |url-status=live }} and they finished in the same positions.{{Cite web |last=Kanal |first=Samarth |date=2024-05-26 |title=Leclerc finally wins Monaco GP shaped by first-lap crash |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/monaco-grand-prix-report-2024-crash-charles-leclerc-win/ |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530035410/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/monaco-grand-prix-report-2024-crash-charles-leclerc-win/ |url-status=live }} Norris moved up to third in the WDC.

For the Canadian Grand Prix, Norris qualified third and Piastri fourth.{{Cite web |date=2024-06-08 |title=Norris ‘excited’ to see what McLaren can do in Canadian GP |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-excited-to-see-what-mclaren-can-do-on-race-day-in-canada-after-taking.5qChkcdn7HDZpIBHlkmXMl |access-date=2024-06-09 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=29 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629112840/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-excited-to-see-what-mclaren-can-do-on-race-day-in-canada-after-taking.5qChkcdn7HDZpIBHlkmXMl |url-status=live }} Norris worked his way into the lead of the race, but missed the pit entry when the first safety car was called and rejoined third.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes |date=2024-06-10 |title=Norris lost Canadian GP he should have won |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-lando-norris-lost-canadian-grand-prix-win/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=29 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629112842/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-lando-norris-lost-canadian-grand-prix-win/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Suttill |first=Josh |date=2024-06-09 |title=Too harsh? Norris's U-turn on key McLaren error explained |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/canadian-grand-prix-mclaren-strategy-lando-norris-too-harsh/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=29 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629112841/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/canadian-grand-prix-mclaren-strategy-lando-norris-too-harsh/ |url-status=live }} He finished second,{{Cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |date=2024-06-10 |title=Norris "should have won" F1 Canadian GP, "had enough time to box" |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-should-have-won-f1-canadian-gp-had-enough-time-to-box/10621708/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=10 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610020138/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-should-have-won-f1-canadian-gp-had-enough-time-to-box/10621708/ |url-status=live }} while Piastri finished fifth after losing positions to George Russell and Hamilton in the closing stages of the race.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-06-10 |title=Piastri admits Mercedes was ‘on a mission’ in Canada |url=https://speedcafe.com/piastri-admits-mercedes-was-on-a-mission-in-canada/ |access-date=2024-06-10 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-AU |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625083226/https://speedcafe.com/piastri-admits-mercedes-was-on-a-mission-in-canada/ |url-status=live }}

= Mid-season European rounds =

File:2024 Spanish Grand Prix (53811380910).jpg during free practice for the Spanish Grand Prix]]

Norris qualified on pole position for the Spanish Grand Prix.{{Cite news |last=Cary |first=Tom |date=2024-06-22 |title=Lando Norris secures pole hours after McLaren’s team home catches fire |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2024/06/22/mclaren-f1-paddock-home-evacuated-fire-spanish-gp-f1/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The Telegraph |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235 |oclc=49632006 |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625083113/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2024/06/22/mclaren-f1-paddock-home-evacuated-fire-spanish-gp-f1/ |url-status=live }} Piastri qualified tenth as he failed to set a lap time in the final stage of qualifying due to a driver error, starting ninth after a penalty for another driver.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-06-23 |title=Piastri "didn’t throw much away" with qualifying mistake |url=https://speedcafe.com/piastri-didnt-throw-much-away-with-qualifying-mistake/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-AU |archive-date=29 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629112841/https://speedcafe.com/piastri-didnt-throw-much-away-with-qualifying-mistake/ |url-status=live }} Norris lost the lead on the start but recovered to finish second and set the fastest lap, and PIastri improved to finish seventh.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (motorsport) |date=2024-06-23 |title=How McLaren and Red Bull really compared in Spain |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-spanish-grand-prix-analysis-mclaren-versus-red-bull/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624013434/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-spanish-grand-prix-analysis-mclaren-versus-red-bull/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2024-06-24 |title=‘Little details’ cost Norris F1 victory in Spain — but the threat to Verstappen is real |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5584944/2024/06/23/f1-spanish-gp-lando-norris-max-verstappen-mclaren-red-bull/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240623223244/https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5584944/2024/06/23/f1-spanish-gp-lando-norris-max-verstappen-mclaren-red-bull/ |archive-date=23 June 2024 |access-date=2024-06-25 |work=The New York Times |department=The Athletic |language=en-US |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} Following the race, Sainz said he considered the MCL38 the fastest and most consistent car, whilst Stella and Red Bull team principal Christian Horner believed it was evenly matched with the Red Bull Racing RB20.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |last2=Hunt |first2=Ben |date=2024-06-24 |title=McLaren now has best package in F1, says Sainz |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-now-has-best-package-in-f1-says-sainz/10626817/ |access-date=2024-06-25 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624075711/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-now-has-best-package-in-f1-says-sainz/10626817/ |url-status=live }} The result moved Norris up to second in the WDC.

The MCL38 was fitted with a new front wing and front suspension for the Austrian Grand Prix, with the intention of better balancing its performance through different corner types.{{Cite web |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |last2=Noble |first2=Jonathan |date=2024-06-28 |title=McLaren brings new front wing to boost F1 fight against Red Bull |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-brings-new-f1-front-wing-to-further-lift-low-speed-gains/10628403/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=28 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628213712/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-brings-new-f1-front-wing-to-further-lift-low-speed-gains/10628403/ |url-status=live }} Norris and Piastri qualified second and third respectively for the sprint,{{Cite web |date=2024-06-28 |title=Lando Norris confident of taking fight to Verstappen in Austria Sprint after close battle for pole in Sprint Qualifying |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-confident-of-taking-fight-to-verstappen-in-austria-sprint-after-close.68W58Vr1Ec9xog4WTOtbXT |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=28 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628200543/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-confident-of-taking-fight-to-verstappen-in-austria-sprint-after-close.68W58Vr1Ec9xog4WTOtbXT |url-status=live }} and they swapped positions in the sprint itself.{{Cite web |last=Lamonato |first=Michael |date=2024-06-29 |title=Verstappen beats Piastri in Austria Sprint |url=https://racer.com/2024/06/29/verstappen-beats-piastri-in-austria-sprint/ |access-date=2024-06-29 |website=RACER |place=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060 |archive-date=29 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629112841/https://racer.com/2024/06/29/verstappen-beats-piastri-in-austria-sprint/ |url-status=live }} For the Grand Prix, Norris qualified second and Piastri seventh, the latter losing his final lap time due to a track limits violation. Norris and Verstappen raced closely for the lead in the final stages of the race until a collision between the two: Norris suffered a puncture and terminal damage to his car, while Verstappen suffered a puncture and received a penalty for the incident. Piastri was a beneficiary of the incident, and improved to finish second. Norris was classified twentieth as he had completed more than 90% of the race distance.

File:Oscar Piastri (53838437626).jpg

McLaren fitted a new rear wing assembly designed for a higher top speed to the car, alongside a different engine cover and cooling arrangement, for the 2024 British Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2024-07-10 |title=How McLaren chased a top speed boost at F1's British Grand Prix |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclaren-chased-a-top-speed-boost-at-f1s-british-grand-prix/10633462/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711084811/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclaren-chased-a-top-speed-boost-at-f1s-british-grand-prix/10633462/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified third and Piastri fifth.{{Cite news |date=2024-07-06 |title='Incredible' F1 trio claim first all-British top three since 1968 at Silverstone |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-07/british-drivers-top-three-f1-british-grand-prix-silverstone/104068420 |access-date=2024-07-13 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |language=en-AU |agency=Associated Press |archive-date=8 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708185439/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-07-07/british-drivers-top-three-f1-british-grand-prix-silverstone/104068420 |url-status=live }} During the race, three significant errors were made.{{Cite web |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-07-09 |title=Exactly how much have F1 race mistakes cost McLaren this year? |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/exactly-how-much-have-f1-race-mistakes-cost-mclaren-this-year/10633232/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711084954/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/exactly-how-much-have-f1-race-mistakes-cost-mclaren-this-year/10633232/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |date=2024-07-09 |title=Is McLaren too error-prone to beat Red Bull? |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/is-mclaren-too-error-prone-to-beat-red-bull/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=9 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709110138/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/is-mclaren-too-error-prone-to-beat-red-bull/ |url-status=live }} Firstly, McLaren did not double-stack{{Efn|A strategic choice to pit both drivers on the same lap, servicing one immediately after the other.}} the drivers during the first pit stop cycle. Secondly, Norris overshot the pit mark during his second stop, causing delays, and thirdly, McLaren chose to fit his car with soft tyres rather than the better-performing mediums. Norris finished third and Piastri fourth,{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-07-08 |title=Hamilton victorious as McLaren throws away British GP win |url=https://speedcafe.com/hamilton-victorious-as-mclaren-throws-away-british-gp-win/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Speedcafe.com |language=en-AU |archive-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713160436/https://speedcafe.com/hamilton-victorious-as-mclaren-throws-away-british-gp-win/ |url-status=live }} with the latter moving up to fifth in the WDC.

The car remained at the Silverstone Circuit after the race to test {{F1|2025}} tyre prototypes for sole supplier Pirelli.{{Cite web |last=Collantine |first=Keith |date=2024-07-09 |title=Mick Schumacher drives for McLaren in Pirelli test at Silverstone |url=https://www.racefans.net/2024/07/09/mick-schumacher-drives-for-mclaren-in-pirelli-test-at-silverstone/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=RaceFans |archive-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713160437/https://www.racefans.net/2024/07/09/mick-schumacher-drives-for-mclaren-in-pirelli-test-at-silverstone/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last= |date=2024-07-10 |title=Pirelli forced to re-jig plans due to wet weather at Silverstone test |url=https://formularapida.net/en/pirelli-forced-to-re-jig-plans-due-to-wet-weather-at-silverstone-test/ |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=FormulaRapida.net |language=en-US |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710234251/https://formularapida.net/en/pirelli-forced-to-re-jig-plans-due-to-wet-weather-at-silverstone-test/ |url-status=live }} Mick Schumacher, one of McLaren's reserve drivers, completed 53 laps on the first day, while Norris completed 95 on the second. Both days of the test were held in wet conditions.

Norris qualified on pole and Piastri second for the Hungarian Grand Prix, McLaren's first front-row lock-out since {{F1|2012}}. Piastri had a better start than Norris and moved into first place, but lost the position during the second round of pit stops.{{Cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |date=2024-07-21 |title=Piastri scores maiden win amid Norris team order defiance |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-hungarian-gp-race-report/10637230/?gpp=DBABLA%7EBVQqAAAACgA.QA&gpp_sid=7 |access-date=2024-07-21 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923074601/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-hungarian-gp-race-report/10637230/?gpp=DBABLA%7EBVQqAAAACgA.QA&gpp_sid=7 |url-status=live }} Norris was instructed to return the position to Piastri, but instead created a substantial gap of six seconds to Piastri, before eventually slowing and returning the position and allowing Piastri to take his first Grand Prix win. Piastri and Norris finishing first and second was McLaren's first 1–2 finish since {{F1|2021}}, and meant the team overtook Ferrari for second in the WCC.

For the Belgian Grand Prix, Norris qualified fifth and Piastri sixth; both started one place higher after a grid penalty for Verstappen.{{Cite web |last=Larkam |first=Lewis |date=2024-07-28 |title=Starting grid for F1 Belgian Grand Prix after Max Verstappen grid penalty {{!}} F1 {{!}} Crash |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1052781/1/starting-grid-f1-belgian-grand-prix-after-max-verstappen-grid-penalty |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=Crash.net |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923074455/https://www.crash.net/f1/news/1052781/1/starting-grid-f1-belgian-grand-prix-after-max-verstappen-grid-penalty |url-status=live }} Norris ran wide on the opening lap, compromising his performance for the rest of the race, and finished sixth.{{Cite web |date=2024-07-29 |title=Belgian GP: Lando Norris rues repeated 'messed up' races after losing points to Max Verstappen at Spa-Francorchamps |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13186149/belgian-gp-lando-norris-rues-repeated-messed-up-races-after-losing-points-to-max-verstappen-at-spa-francorchamps |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=Sky Sports F1 |publisher=Sky Group |archive-date=29 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729154109/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13186149/belgian-gp-lando-norris-rues-repeated-messed-up-races-after-losing-points-to-max-verstappen-at-spa-francorchamps |url-status=live }} Piastri improved to third. Both drivers were promoted a place when Russell, who had won the race, was disqualified. Piastri moved up to fourth in the WDC.

= Post-summer break and Dutch upgrade package =

File:2024-08-25 Motorsport, Formel 1, Großer Preis der Niederlande 2024 STP 3858 by Stepro.jpg

Returning from the summer break, McLaren introduced a new package of upgrades for the Dutch Grand Prix. This package included a new brake scoop, front and rear suspension, floor and edge wing, and beam and rear wings.{{Cite web |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |last2=Noble |first2=Jonathan |date=2024-08-23 |title=What’s behind McLaren’s ‘more risky’ latest F1 upgrade |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/whats-behind-mclarens-more-risky-latest-f1-upgrade/10646898/ |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=23 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240823160642/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/whats-behind-mclarens-more-risky-latest-f1-upgrade/10646898/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified on pole, and Piastri third.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-24 |title=Norris surges to stunning Dutch GP pole ahead of Verstappen |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-surges-to-stunning-pole-ahead-of-verstappen-and-piastri-during.GBxgPngEFHZeb7FheBo67 |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923074458/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-surges-to-stunning-pole-ahead-of-verstappen-and-piastri-during.GBxgPngEFHZeb7FheBo67 |url-status=live }} Norris lost the lead on the first lap to Verstappen, but recovered it and won the race and set the fastest lap.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2024-08-26 |title=The critical moments for Norris as he soared to an emphatic Dutch Grand Prix win |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/monday-morning-debrief-the-critical-moments-for-norris-as-he-soared-to-an.54ullW6EEUkZOFRa1ltmAP |url-access=registration |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826152413/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/monday-morning-debrief-the-critical-moments-for-norris-as-he-soared-to-an.54ullW6EEUkZOFRa1ltmAP |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2024-08-26 |title=McLaren’s Lando Norris dominates Dutch Grand Prix to fire F1 world title warning at Max Verstappen |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/motorsport/dutch-grand-prix-mclarens-lando-norris-pips-red-bulls-max-verstappen-to-pole-position/news-story/44f29a220e91a5c2211e8a21bee9caf8 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240901041409/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/motorsport/dutch-grand-prix-mclarens-lando-norris-pips-red-bulls-max-verstappen-to-pole-position/news-story/44f29a220e91a5c2211e8a21bee9caf8?amp&nk=7994d44ed6ad424346d02a6ba09f2054-1725164058 |archive-date=2024-09-01 |access-date=2024-09-01 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia |location=Sydney |language=en |issn=1038-8761 |agency=Agence France-Presse}} Meanwhile, Piastri finished fourth.{{Cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |date=2024-08-25 |title=F1 Dutch GP: Norris takes crushing win from Verstappen, Leclerc |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-dutch-gp-norris-takes-crushing-win-from-verstappen-leclerc/10647670/ |access-date=2024-08-26 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=26 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240826152413/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-dutch-gp-norris-takes-crushing-win-from-verstappen-leclerc/10647670/ |url-status=live }}

The MCL38 was run with circuit-specific front and rear wings for the Italian Grand Prix, and a new sidepod design was introduced to complement the changes made at the Dutch Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2024-08-30 |title=Ferrari package + more: Every F1 team's Italian GP upgrades |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/italian-gp-f1-upgrades-ferrari-package-monza/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923072716/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/italian-gp-f1-upgrades-ferrari-package-monza/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified on pole and Piastri second.{{Cite news |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-08-31 |title=F1 Italian GP: Norris on pole from Piastri as Verstappen struggles |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-italian-gp-norris-on-pole-from-piastri-as-verstappen-struggles/10649806/ |access-date=2024-09-01 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=31 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240831163626/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-italian-gp-norris-on-pole-from-piastri-as-verstappen-struggles/10649806/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2024-09-01 |title=A huge chance for Norris as Red Bull look to bounce back – What to watch for in the Italian Grand Prix |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/a-huge-chance-for-norris-as-red-bull-look-to-bounce-back-what-to-watch-for.1dcxpgxdSZevAjW1uDvApp |url-access=registration |access-date=2024-09-01 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923072716/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/a-huge-chance-for-norris-as-red-bull-look-to-bounce-back-what-to-watch-for.1dcxpgxdSZevAjW1uDvApp |url-status=live }} Following qualifying, Norris highlighted the MCL38's significant improvement in performance over the MCL60, with the car approximately {{Convert|20|km/h|mph|abbr=on}} quicker in a straight line.{{Cite news |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-09-01 |title=Norris: McLaren 20km/h faster on Monza straights than last year |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-mclaren-20km-h-faster-on-monza-straights-than-last-year/10649908/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901080251/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/norris-mclaren-20km-h-faster-on-monza-straights-than-last-year/10649908/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=1 September 2024 |access-date=2024-09-01 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network }} Norris was overtaken by Piastri on the first lap, and were ultimately beaten by Ferrari's Charles Leclerc who selected a single-stop strategy rather than McLaren's two-stop. Piastri and Norris finished second and third respectively, with the latter setting the fastest lap.

Piastri qualified second for Azerbaijan Grand Prix, whilst Norris's final lap in the first stage of qualifying was affected by yellow flags, forcing him to abort the lap.{{Cite web |last=Mann-Bryans |first=Mark |date=2024-09-14 |title=Confusion over yellow flags led to Norris' Q1 exit in Azerbaijan |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/confusion-over-yellow-flags-led-to-norris-q1-exit-in-azerbaijan/10654161/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923074500/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/confusion-over-yellow-flags-led-to-norris-q1-exit-in-azerbaijan/10654161/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified seventeenth, ending the MCL38's perfect record of qualifying in the top ten. Norris was promoted to fifteenth on the starting grid due to penalties for other drivers.{{Cite web |date=2024-09-15 |title=Updated grid for 2024 F1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix as Hamilton starts from pit lane |url=https://racingnews365.com/full-starting-grid-for-2024-f1-azerbaijan-grand-prix |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915124851/https://racingnews365.com/full-starting-grid-for-2024-f1-azerbaijan-grand-prix |url-status=live }} Piastri won the race, while Norris recovered to fourth and set the fastest lap of the race.{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2024-09-15 |title=F1 Azerbaijan GP: Piastri beats Leclerc in thrilling battle; Norris outscores Verstappen |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-piastri-wins-amid-late-drama-norris-outscores-verstappen/10654518/ |access-date=2024-09-15 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=15 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915132209/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-azerbaijan-gp-piastri-wins-amid-late-drama-norris-outscores-verstappen/10654518/ |url-status=live }} The result moved McLaren into first place in the WCC, marking the first time McLaren led the championship since the 2014 Australian Grand Prix.

During the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, several observers noted that the MCL38's rear wing was designed to be flexible in such a way that the bottom corners of the upper panel lifted up to allow airflow through.{{Cite web |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |date=2024-09-18 |title=Did McLaren's 'mini-DRS' rear wing trick help Piastri keep Leclerc at bay in Baku? |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/did-mclarens-mini-drs-rear-wing-trick-help-piastri-keep-leclerc-at-bay-in-baku/10654884/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923073834/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/did-mclarens-mini-drs-rear-wing-trick-help-piastri-keep-leclerc-at-bay-in-baku/10654884/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=2024-09-20 |title=McLaren's F1 wing trick beat Red Bull at its own game |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-wing-trick-beat-red-bull-at-its-own-game/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920200607/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-wing-trick-beat-red-bull-at-its-own-game/ |url-status=live }} This mimicked the behaviour of the drag reduction system (DRS), even when the car was not in a DRS zone or entitled to have its DRS open.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2024-09-19 |title=FIA considering action over flexi rear wings after McLaren’s ‘mini-DRS’ intrigue |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fia-considering-action-over-flexi-rear-wings-after-mclarens-mini-drs-intrigue/10655564/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=19 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919134023/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/fia-considering-action-over-flexi-rear-wings-after-mclarens-mini-drs-intrigue/10655564/ |url-status=live }} Retrospective investigation revealed the wing, whose behaviour was nicknamed "mini-DRS", was one of the designs introduced at the Belgian Grand Prix,{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=2024-09-19 |title=What next as FIA investigates McLaren 'mini-DRS' scrutiny |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/fia-investigating-mclaren-mini-drs-scrutiny-what-you-need-to-know/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=20 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240920200607/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/fia-investigating-mclaren-mini-drs-scrutiny-what-you-need-to-know/ |url-status=live }} before being used for the Italian and Azerbaijan Grands Prix. The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile confirmed the design was legal under existing regulations but asked McLaren to modify the wing to prevent the flexing, to which the team agreed.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2024-09-20 |title=McLaren to modify rear wing after 'mini-DRS' controversy |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-asked-by-fia-to-modify-rear-wing-after-mini-drs-controversy/10656065/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923073836/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-asked-by-fia-to-modify-rear-wing-after-mini-drs-controversy/10656065/ |url-status=live }} Stella said the team was pleased its rivals had invested resources examining what he called "a red herring."{{Cite magazine |date=2024-09-30 |editor-last=Dunn |editor-first=Joe |title="For us, it's good news" |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/november-2024/32/mclaren-says-its-delighted-that-mini-drs-controversy-is-distracting-rivals/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-10-27 |magazine=Motor Sport |location=London |page=32 |publication-date=November 2024 |volume=100 |issue=11 |issn=0027-2019}} Engineering director Neil Houldey later called the controversy a "point of pride" and proof of McLaren's technical innovation.{{Cite web |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2024-12-26 |title=Why McLaren's controversial mini-DRS rear wing became a "source of pride" |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mclarens-controversial-mini-drs-rear-wing-became-a-source-of-pride/10684797/ |access-date=2025-01-10 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=2 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102205017/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mclarens-controversial-mini-drs-rear-wing-became-a-source-of-pride/10684797/ |url-status=live }}

McLaren ran the car with track-specific beam wing for the Singapore Grand Prix,{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2024-09-20 |title=Technical updates: 2024 Singapore Grand Prix |url=https://racer.com/2024/09/20/technical-updates-2024-singapore-grand-prix/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=RACER |language=en-US |publication-place=Irvine |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923074526/https://racer.com/2024/09/20/technical-updates-2024-singapore-grand-prix/ |url-status=live }} and used a special livery (see {{Section link|2=Liveries|nopage=y}}). Unusually, the rear and beam wings used were of a low downforce specification, despite Marina Bay Street Circuit typically being considered a high-downforce track.{{Cite web |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2024-09-26 |title=How McLaren’s rear wing choice again caught attention in Singapore |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclarens-rear-wing-choice-again-caught-attention-in-singapore/10658062/ |access-date=2024-10-16 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=8 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008222033/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclarens-rear-wing-choice-again-caught-attention-in-singapore/10658062/ |url-status=live }} Norris qualified on pole and Piastri in fifth place.{{Cite web |last=Edmondson |first=Laurence |date=2024-09-22 |title=2024 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix Race Recap |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/report?id=600041150 |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=ESPN.co.uk |publisher=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923073838/https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/report?id=600041150 |url-status=live }} Norris led the entire race and won, while Piastri improved to finish third.{{Cite web |last=Anderson |first=Ben |date=2024-09-22 |title=Norris survives two wall strikes to dominate Singapore GP |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/singapore-grand-prix-result-2024-lando-norris-hits-wall-dominates/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923073730/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/singapore-grand-prix-result-2024-lando-norris-hits-wall-dominates/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2024-09-22 |title=McLaren's other wing trick behind its Singapore superiority |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-mclarens-other-wing-trick-behind-its-singapore-superiority/ |access-date=2024-09-23 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923073830/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mark-hughes-mclarens-other-wing-trick-behind-its-singapore-superiority/ |url-status=live }}

= Closing rounds and championship push =

The car was raced in a special chrome livery for the United States Grand Prix. McLaren also débuted a new front wing, front and rear suspension, front and rear brake ducts, and beam wing.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2024-10-18 |title=Technical updates: 2024 United States Grand Prix |url=https://racer.com/2024/10/18/technical-updates-2024-united-states-grand-prix/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=RACER |place=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060}} For the sprint race, Norris qualified fourth and finished third.{{Cite news |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-10-19 |title=Verstappen beats Russell to sprint pole by 0.012s, Norris fourth |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/sq-friday-sprint-qualifying-report/10664111/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |work=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=12 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112205551/https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/sq-friday-sprint-qualifying-report/10664111/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |date=2024-10-19 |title=Max Verstappen ends victory drought as title rival Lando Norris third after late drama |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13236623/united-states-gp-sprint-max-verstappen-ends-victory-drought-as-title-rival-lando-norris-third-after-late-drama |access-date=2024-10-26 |work=Sky Sports F1 |publisher=Sky Group}} Piastri, who lost his qualifying lap due to a track limits violation, qualified sixteenth and improved to finish tenth in the sprint. Norris qualified on pole and Piastri fifth for the Grand Prix.{{Cite news |last=Coleman |first=Madeline |date=2024-10-20 |title=Lando Norris takes F1 US Grand Prix pole, setting up latest battle with Max Verstappen |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5855618/2024/10/19/f1-lando-norris-pole-united-states-gp/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |work=The New York Times |department=The Athletic |location=Austin |language=en-US |publication-place=New York City |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}} Piastri finished the race fifth.{{Cite web |date=2024-10-20 |title=Leclerc leads dominant Ferrari one-two in Austin as Norris loses third to Verstappen after penalty |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/leclerc-leads-dominant-ferrari-one-two-in-austin-as-norris-loses-third-to.3VSTWKOy40Ta1vvtlwHBff |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}} Norris lost several positions on the opening lap, and recovered to finish third. The stewards judged that his final overtake on Verstappen, which was performed after both ran wide, meant he had gained an unfair advantage, and awarded Norris a five-second penalty that dropped him to fourth place.{{Cite news |last=Smith |first=Luke |date=2024-10-22 |title=F1 stewards are back in the spotlight after ‘inexplicable’ U.S. Grand Prix penalties |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5861105/2024/10/21/f1-us-grand-prix-stewards-penalty-lando-norris/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |work=The New York Times |department=The Athletic |location=Austin |language=en-US |publication-place=New York City |issn=1553-8095 |oclc=1645522}}

Pato O'Ward, a driver for the Arrow McLaren IndyCar team, drove in place of Norris during the first free practice session for the Mexico City Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Faturos |first=Federico |date=2024-09-11 |title=Pato O'Ward conducirá para McLaren en la FP1 del GP de México de F1 |trans-title=Pato O'Ward to drive for McLaren in FP1 of F1 Mexican GP |url=https://lat.motorsport.com/f1/news/pato-oward-fp1-mexico-mclaren/10653139/ |access-date=2024-09-12 |website=Motorsport.com Latin America |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=es |archive-date=23 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240923074501/https://lat.motorsport.com/f1/news/pato-oward-fp1-mexico-mclaren/10653139/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Fryer |first=Jenna |date=2024-10-25 |title=Pato O'Ward finally gets a chance to drive an F1 car in native country Mexico |url=https://apnews.com/article/f1-pato-oward-mexico-city-32fc026b460738420f3f6484ae31e39b |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=AP News |language=en |publication-place=New York City}} The MCL38 was fitted with circuit-specific cooling elements to account for the high altitude of the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.{{Cite news |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-10-26 |title=McLaren finally unleashes long-awaited floor upgrade at Mexico GP |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-finally-unleashes-long-awaited-floor-upgrade-at-mexico-gp/10666663/ |access-date=2024-10-26 |work=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network}} O'Ward and Norris also tested a completely revised floor in free practice.{{Cite news |last=Barnes |first=Joey |date=2024-10-27 |title=O'Ward "pretty pleased" finishing within 0.3s of Piastri in Mexican GP FP1 outing |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/Pato-OWard-pretty-pleased-with-FP1-debut-within-03s-of-piastri/10667167/ |access-date=2024-10-27 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network}} Norris qualified third and Piastri seventeenth.{{Cite news |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2024-10-27 |title=Piastri slates "very poor mistake" that led to Mexico Q1 exit |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/piastri-slates-very-poor-mistake-that-led-to-mexico-q1-exit/10667196/ |access-date=2024-10-27 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network}}{{Cite news |date=2024-10-26 |title=Sainz takes pole at Mexico Grand Prix as Verstappen gets the jump on Norris |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/26/sainz-takes-pole-at-mexico-grand-prix-as-verstappen-gets-the-jump-on-norris |access-date=2024-10-27 |work=The Observer |publisher=Guardian Media Group |language=en-GB |publication-place=London |issn=0029-7712 |agency=PA Media}} In the race, Norris finished second, and Piastri recovered to finish eighth.{{Cite news |last=Richards |first=Giles |date=2024-10-27 |title=Sainz wins F1 Mexico City Grand Prix as Norris makes Verstappen pay penalty |url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2024/oct/27/carlos-sainz-wins-f1-mexico-city-grand-prix-as-lando-norris-cuts-title-race-gap |access-date=2024-10-31 |work=The Guardian |publisher=Guardian Media Group |location=London |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-10-28 |title=McLaren highlights Piastri as Verstappen costs Norris shot at Mexico win |url=https://speedcafe.com/mclaren-piastri-norris-verstappen-mexico-win/ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-AU}} Technical analyst Giorgio Piola and journalist Mark Hughes said the MCL38's superior brake duct design was a key factor enabling Norris to overtake the Leclerc's Ferrari SF-24.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2024-10-29 |title=Inside the unique McLaren brake design which helped Norris beat Leclerc in Mexico |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/tech-weekly-inside-mclarens-unique-brake-design-which-was-key-to-norris.1wajRgKZ1c23bI92VmfQcZ |access-date=2024-10-31 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}}

McLaren developed a new circuit-specific medium-downforce rear wing to use for the São Paulo Grand Prix, and introduced two complementary beam wing options.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2024-11-01 |title=Technical upgrades: 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix |url=https://racer.com/2024/11/01/technical-upgrades-2024-sao-paulo-grand-prix/ |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=RACER |language=en-US |publication-place=Irvine |issn=1066-6060}}{{Cite news |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2024-11-01 |title=McLaren ups ante in F1 title push with new rear wing for Brazil GP |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-ups-ante-in-f1-title-push-with-new-rear-wing-for-brazil-gp/10669064/ |access-date=2024-11-02 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network}} Although McLaren ran the new wings in the sprint sessions, they reverted to using high-downforce wings for the race.{{Cite news |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2024-11-05 |title=Why McLaren brought its seventh new rear wing to Brazil |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mclaren-brought-its-seventh-new-rear-wing-to-brazil/10670859/ |access-date=2024-11-14 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111023907/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mclaren-brought-its-seventh-new-rear-wing-to-brazil/10670859/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2024-11-08 |title=The key benefit of McLaren’s new rear wing in Brazil that couldn’t be utilised in the race |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/tech-weekly-the-key-benefit-of-mclarens-new-rear-wing-in-brazil-that-couldnt.81AWdCPGjFAY9xNqX1mjm |url-access=registration |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=12 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241112232254/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/tech-weekly-the-key-benefit-of-mclarens-new-rear-wing-in-brazil-that-couldnt.81AWdCPGjFAY9xNqX1mjm |url-status=live }} In sprint qualifying, Piastri qualified on pole and Norris second.{{Cite web |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |date=2024-11-02 |title=McLaren set the pace in Sprint Qualifying – but can Ferrari outshine their rivals during the rest of the Sao Paulo weekend? |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/friday-debrief-mclaren-set-the-pace-in-sprint-qualifying-but-can-ferrari.1LYUgIq9oyPurvJJMpGwG1 |url-access=registration |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}} The drivers followed team orders to swap positions during the sprint, Norris winning and Piastri finishing second.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-02 |title=Norris hails Piastri for 'great job' in Sao Paulo Sprint |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/norris-not-proud-after-team-orders-in-sao-paulo-sprint-but-hails-piastri-and.2Q9NwLCwtZzimqG6By5mlM |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}} Qualifying was held in wet and rainy conditions and was interrupted by numerous yellow and red flags: Norris qualified on pole, and Piastri eighth.{{Cite web |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-11-03 |title=Norris claims pole in chaotic wet qualifying, Verstappen 17th |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-brazilian-gp-qualifying-report/10670121/ |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} The race was chaotic, held in wet and rainy conditions. Norris was handed a reprimand for violating the race start procedure, as it was aborted after another driver beached their car. Norris, who started on pole position, initially lost position to Russell, and lost further positions after each safety car restart, and ultimately finished sixth. Verstappen, his WDC rival, won the race from seventeenth, effectively ending Norris's chances of winning the WDC. Piastri finished seventh, but received a penalty for contact with Liam Lawson and was demoted to eighth.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2024-11-03 |title=Verstappen wins from 17th in Sao Paulo rain chaos |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/formula1/articles/c8rlgn5g02mo |access-date=2024-11-04 |website=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |language=en-GB}}

The car was run with a low-downforce rear wing and a complementary front wing flap for the Las Vegas Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=2024-11-22 |title=Big changes and 2025 trials - F1 teams' Vegas upgrades explained |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-upgrades-las-vegas-grand-prix-ferrari-floor/ |access-date=2024-11-23 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=22 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241122060252/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-upgrades-las-vegas-grand-prix-ferrari-floor/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2024-11-27 |title=How McLaren adapted to life post ‘mini-DRS’ |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclaren-adapted-to-life-post-mini-drs/10676856/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241213220609/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclaren-adapted-to-life-post-mini-drs/10676856/ |archive-date=13 December 2024 |access-date=2025-01-10 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |url-status=live }} Norris qualified sixth and Piastri eighth.{{Cite web |date=2024-11-23 |title=Russell charges to Las Vegas GP pole over Sainz and Gasly |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-charges-to-pole-for-las-vegas-grand-prix-over-sainz-and-gasly.4UjbnFjRtnyaSVWe2NPRZx |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Formula1.com |language=en |archive-date=23 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241123135215/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/russell-charges-to-pole-for-las-vegas-grand-prix-over-sainz-and-gasly.4UjbnFjRtnyaSVWe2NPRZx |url-status=live }} Norris finished sixth, losing any mathematical chance of beating Verstappen to the WDC.{{Cite news |last=Linden |first=Julian |date=2024-11-25 |title=Verstappen wins fourth world title after hitting Vegas jackpot |work=The Australian |department=Sport |publisher=News Corp Australia |location=Sydney |pages=26 |language=en-au |issn=1038-8761}} Piastri was given a five-second time penalty for overshooting his starting position, ultimately finishing seventh.{{Cite web |last=Golding |first=Nick |date=2024-11-25 |title=FIA stewards explain Piastri penalty in McLaren F1 title blow |url=https://racingnews365.com/fia-stewards-explain-piastri-penalty-in-mclaren-f1-title-blow |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en}} Norris also set the fastest lap of the race and the track record for the Las Vegas Strip Circuit,{{Cite web |date=2024-11-24 |title=Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024 - Circuit |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2024/las-vegas/circuit |access-date=2024-11-26 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=19 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241119232819/https://www.formula1.com/en/racing/2024/las-vegas/circuit |url-status=live }} which had previously been held by Piastri who set it in the 2023 event in the MCL60.

For the sprint event at the Qatar Grand Prix, Norris qualified on pole and Piastri third.{{Cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |date=2024-11-29 |title=F1 Qatar GP: Norris takes sprint pole from Russell, Piastri |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-qatar-gp-norris-takes-sprint-pole-from-russell-piastri/10677642/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}} Norris, returning the favoured afforded by Piastri at the São Paulo Grand Prix, allowed Piastri to pass him to win the sprint race just before crossing the finish line.{{Cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |date=2024-11-30 |title=Norris gifts Piastri sprint race win as McLaren nears title |url=https://au.motorsport.com/f1/news/f1-qatar-gp-sprint-report/10677898/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=Motorsport.com Australia |publisher=Motorsport Network}} For the race, Norris qualified third and Piastri fourth.{{Cite web |last=Khorounzhiy |first=Valentin |date=2024-11-30 |title=Everything you need to know about 2024 Qatar F1 qualifying |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/verstappen-snatches-qatar-gp-pole-after-huge-red-bull-f1-turnaround/ |access-date=2024-12-01 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=30 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241130195700/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/verstappen-snatches-qatar-gp-pole-after-huge-red-bull-f1-turnaround/ |url-status=live }} Norris was trailing race winner Verstappen for the first half of the race before he failed to slow under double-waved yellow flags due to a stray wing mirror on the track, facilitating a ten-second stop/go penalty. He served the penalty and recovered to tenth, with Piastri in third.{{cite web|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-surges-to-victory-ahead-of-leclerc-and-piastri-in-action-packed.4HUw20VKaLxIVNs3h0DJXE|title=Verstappen surges to victory ahead of Leclerc and Piastri in action-packed Qatar Grand Prix amid three Safety Cars|website=Formula 1.com|date=1 December 2024|access-date=16 December 2024|archive-date=3 December 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241203104420/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/verstappen-surges-to-victory-ahead-of-leclerc-and-piastri-in-action-packed.4HUw20VKaLxIVNs3h0DJXE|url-status=live}}

McLaren development driver Ryō Hirakawa replaced Piastri for the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.{{Cite web |last=Walsh |first=Fergal |date=2024-12-02 |title=Japanese star handed Abu Dhabi McLaren F1 debut |url=https://racingnews365.com/japanese-star-handed-abu-dhabi-mclaren-f1-debut |access-date=2024-12-02 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202160734/https://racingnews365.com/japanese-star-handed-abu-dhabi-mclaren-f1-debut |url-status=live }} Norris qualified on pole position and won the race; Piastri finished tenth after being involved in a collision with Verstappen on the opening lap. Norris finished the season second in the WDC, and Piastri fourth. Most significantly, the result secured the WCC for McLaren, their first since {{F1|1998}}, narrowly beating Ferrari.{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-12-09 |title=Magnificent McLaren ends 26-year drought |url=https://speedcafe.com/magnificent-mclaren-ends-26-year-constructors-championship-drought/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-AU |archive-date=11 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241211163430/https://speedcafe.com/magnificent-mclaren-ends-26-year-constructors-championship-drought/ |url-status=live }}

The MCL38 remained at Yas Marina Circuit following the race for the annual end-of-season test sessions.{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=2024-12-10 |title=Leclerc pips Williams newcomer Sainz in F1's post-season test |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-abu-dhabi-post-season-test-leclerc-sainz/ |access-date=2024-12-13 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=12 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241212163348/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-abu-dhabi-post-season-test-leclerc-sainz/ |url-status=live }} Norris and Piastri each spent half a day testing Pirelli's proposed 2025 tyres, recording 84 and 72 laps respectively.{{Cite news |last=Cleeren |first=Filip |date=2024-12-10 |title=Leclerc quickest as Abu Dhabi F1 test ends |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/leclerc-quickest-as-abu-dhabi-f1-test-ends/10681364/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210141849/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/leclerc-quickest-as-abu-dhabi-f1-test-ends/10681364/ |archive-date=10 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-13 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |url-status=live }} O'Ward tested the car in its ordinary specification, completing 116 laps.

Assessment and characteristics

File:McLaren MCL38.jpg

In the car's early races it exhibited strong performance in medium- and high-speed corners and proved a significant improvement over the early-season MCL60.{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=2024-03-20 |title=McLaren's plan for weakness it won't fully fix until 2025 |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-plan-for-weakness-it-wont-fully-fix-until-2025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240323114824/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclarens-plan-for-weakness-it-wont-fully-fix-until-2025/ |archive-date=23 March 2024 |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=The Race |language=en}}{{Cite web |last=Coch |first=Mat |date=2024-03-15 |title=ANALYSIS: McLaren MCL38 |url=https://speedcafe.com/analysis-mclaren-mcl38/ |access-date=2024-03-23 |website=Speedcafe |language=en-AU |archive-date=14 March 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314182346/https://speedcafe.com/analysis-mclaren-mcl38/ |url-status=live }} It also displayed a lack of top speed, an inefficient drag reduction system, and poor performance in longer corners. Compared to its nearest competitor – Ferrari's SF-24 – the MCL38 lacked race pace largely due to the SF-24's superior tyre management, but excelled over a qualifying lap. The MCL38 proved to be the overall third-fastest car early in the season.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2024-04-10 |title=McLaren targets upgrades to take the fight to F1’s top two |url=https://racer.com/2024/04/10/mclaren-targets-upgrades-to-take-the-fight-to-f1s-top-two/ |access-date=2024-04-16 |website=RACER |place=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060 |archive-date=10 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410132819/https://racer.com/2024/04/10/mclaren-targets-upgrades-to-take-the-fight-to-f1s-top-two/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2024-08-07 |title=McLaren boss Zak Brown on F1 title challenge, Red Bull and Adrian Newey |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/clynnlndevjo |access-date=2024-08-14 |website=BBC Sport |publisher=BBC |language=en-GB |archive-date=12 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240812162932/https://www.bbc.com/sport/articles/clynnlndevjo |url-status=live }}

Performance in slow-speed corners improved with the implementation of the Miami upgrade package,{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2024-05-24 |title=Why McLaren's biggest F1 weakness may not hold it back at Monaco |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclarens-biggest-f1-weakness-may-not-hold-it-back-at-monaco/10614674/ |access-date=2024-05-25 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530035354/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclarens-biggest-f1-weakness-may-not-hold-it-back-at-monaco/10614674/ |url-status=live }} to the extent that the team needed to investigate why the package had been so much more successful than expected.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2024-05-31 |title=McLaren chasing answers to unexpected F1 upgrade success |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-chasing-answers-unexpected-upgrade-success/10617803/ |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=1 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240601070159/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-chasing-answers-unexpected-upgrade-success/10617803/ |url-status=live }} McLaren had intended for the upgrade to increase downforce across all conditions and the upgrade did achieve the increase modelled by the factory, but it had not expected it to lead to such a noticeable gain in an area that had been a weakness for recent McLaren cars.{{Cite web |last=Medland |first=Chris |date=2024-05-31 |title=McLaren can now compete for wins everywhere - Piastri |url=https://racer.com/2024/05/31/mclaren-can-now-compete-for-wins-everywhere-piastri/ |access-date=2024-06-01 |website=RACER |place=Irvine |language=en-US |issn=1066-6060 |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625083115/https://racer.com/2024/05/31/mclaren-can-now-compete-for-wins-everywhere-piastri/ |url-status=live }} Although Stella said the improvement was down to technical changes, he speculated at least some could be attributed to the drivers having greater confidence in the car, calling the improvement in handling an "intangible benefit" that couldn't be modelled in factory simulations.{{Cite web |last=Straw |first=Edd |last2=Anderson |first2=Gary |author-link2=Gary Anderson (motorsport) |date=2024-05-22 |title=Why even McLaren is surprised by its winning F1 upgrade |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-upgrade-surprised-even-mclaren-gary-anderson-verdict/ |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=25 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625083227/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-upgrade-surprised-even-mclaren-gary-anderson-verdict/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |date=2024-06-20 |title=The mystery within McLaren's unexpected upgrade gain |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-mystery-within-mclarens-unexpected-upgrade-gain/ |access-date=2024-06-21 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=21 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240621112019/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/the-mystery-within-mclarens-unexpected-upgrade-gain/ |url-status=live }} By the British Grand Prix, it had established its place as the all-round best performing car.{{Cite magazine |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (journalist) |date=September 2024 |editor-last=Dunn |editor-first=Joe |title=Merc and McLaren take the Bull by the horns |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-2024/32/mercedes-and-mclaren-take-the-bull-by-the-horns-british-hungarian-and-belgian-gp-report/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-08-14 |magazine=Motor Sport |location=London |pages=32–36 |volume=100 |issue=9 |issn=0027-2019 |archive-date=14 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814124706/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-2024/32/mercedes-and-mclaren-take-the-bull-by-the-horns-british-hungarian-and-belgian-gp-report/ |url-status=live }} Looking at the rate of development, Norris said "it is incredible. We've out-developed by a mile all of our competition", and Piastri said the MCL38 was "much more well-rounded" and that the team could "put the car on track anywhere and be confident we will be maybe not the fastest but one of the fastest".{{Cite web |last=Barretto |first=Lawrence |date=2024-08-15 |title=McLaren have gone from backmarkers to title contenders in less than a year – how have they done it? |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/barretto-mclaren-have-gone-from-backmarkers-to-title-contenders-in-less-than.3dsRdF1xzcXG1y6pdo3AlR |url-access=registration |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=16 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816030632/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/barretto-mclaren-have-gone-from-backmarkers-to-title-contenders-in-less-than.3dsRdF1xzcXG1y6pdo3AlR |url-status=live }} Throughout the year, McLaren benefited from their larger allocation of aerodynamic testing time: given they finished fourth in the {{F1|2023}} WCC, McLaren were awarded the most testing time of any of the top four teams.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-13 |title=Stella sets out McLaren’s development plan for rest of 2024 |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/stella-sets-out-mclarens-development-plan-for-second-half-of-2024-as-he.IjSxVv8pxljt7LhOnCBLI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240816030633/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/stella-sets-out-mclarens-development-plan-for-second-half-of-2024-as-he.IjSxVv8pxljt7LhOnCBLI |archive-date=16 August 2024 |access-date=2024-08-16 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en}} For example, McLaren developed eight rear wings and fourteen beam wings for the car, far more than any of its rivals.{{Cite news |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2024-12-21 |title=How McLaren’s rear wing push changed the game in F1 |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclarens-rear-wing-push-changed-the-game-in-f1/10683809/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241220165908/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclarens-rear-wing-push-changed-the-game-in-f1/10683809/ |archive-date=20 December 2024 |access-date=2024-12-22 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |url-status=live }} Whilst the car had a generally wide operating window, McLaren's ability to tailor the car to specific circuits was a significant advantage. The MCL38's design was influential, for example, Haas adopted the MCL38's distinctive sidepod inlet design on their VF-24.{{Cite news |last=Somerfield |first=Matt |last2=Piola |first2=Giorgio |author-link2=Giorgio Piola |date=2024-07-06 |title=How Haas has taken a McLaren direction with its British GP upgrades |url=https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-haas-has-taken-a-mclaren-direction-with-its-british-gp-upgrades/10631938/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240721151331/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/how-haas-has-taken-a-mclaren-direction-with-its-british-gp-upgrades/10631938/ |archive-date=21 July 2024 |access-date=2024-07-20 |work=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network}} Its flexible front wing – later adopted by Mercedes – resolved an important balance issue between the front and rear common on this era of Formula One cars, and rendered Red Bull's solution "obsolete". Red Bull could not afford to adopt this solution while remaining within the budget cap, and its pursuit of increased downforce as an alternative solution led it to increase instability in its car and ultimately eliminated it from WCC contention.{{Cite magazine |last=Hughes |first=Mark |author-link=Mark Hughes (motorsport) |date=2021-12-18 |editor-last=Dunn |editor-first=Joe |title=Let's call it a night |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/february-2025/68/f1-constructors-battle-goes-down-to-the-wire-2024-las-vegas-qatar-and-abu-dhabi-gps-report/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2025-01-11 |magazine=Motor Sport |location=London |pages=68–75 |language=en-gb |publication-date=February 2025 |volume=101 |issue=2}}{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jon |last2=Hughes |first2=Mark |author-link2=Mark Hughes (motorsport) |date=2025-01-17 |title=A design trick that toppled Red Bull could be key to its revival |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/trick-that-toppled-red-bull-could-be-key-to-f1-2025-revival/ |access-date=2025-01-20 |website=The Race |language=en}}

Also significant were the developments McLaren chose not to introduce or to delay: although the team developed a new floor as part of its Miami package, it did not introduce a second revision despite its modelling indicating the new floor would improve the MCL38's downforce. McLaren's competitors in the early season, particularly Ferrari and Aston Martin, introduced floor upgrades in pursuit of increased downforce but sacrificed driveability and ultimately lap time as a result.{{Cite web |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2024-09-05 |title=Why McLaren is holding back on its upgraded floor |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mclaren-is-holding-back-on-its-upgraded-floor/10651246/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914060928/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mclaren-is-holding-back-on-its-upgraded-floor/10651246/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-09-09 |title=The restraint unity that's meant McLaren avoiding F1 2024’s widespread floor pain |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-restraint-unity-thats-meant-mclaren-avoiding-f1-2024s-widespread-floor-pain/10652716/ |access-date=2024-09-14 |website=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=14 September 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240914060928/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-restraint-unity-thats-meant-mclaren-avoiding-f1-2024s-widespread-floor-pain/10652716/ |url-status=live }} Michael Schmidt, writing for Auto Motor und Sport, noted that every one of McLaren's upgrades since the package introduced to the MCL60 at the 2023 Austrian Grand Prix had worked immediately and as expected.{{Cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Michael |date=2024-10-30 |title=Red Bull und Mercedes kommen nicht voran: Welche Upgrades zündeten, welche floppten? |trans-title=Red Bull and Mercedes are not making any progress: Which upgrades worked and which flopped? |url=https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-1/upgrade-check-red-bull-mercedes-mclaren-ferrari/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241031081848/https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-1/upgrade-check-red-bull-mercedes-mclaren-ferrari/ |archive-date=2024-10-31 |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=Auto Motor und Sport |language=de |issn=0005-0806}} Most other teams had to reduce the pace of upgrades and use repaired instead of new parts due to the mounting cost of accident damage (Mercedes stopped upgrades to their W15 entirely) – Norris and Piastri had clean seasons with no major incidents.{{Cite web |last=Schmidt |first=Michael |date=2024-10-30 |title=Unfälle drohen Kostendeckel zu sprengen: Wenig Ersatzteile, keine Upgrades mehr |trans-title=Accidents threaten to exceed cost caps: Few spare parts, no more upgrades |url=https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-1/teams-unfaelle-budget-cap-mercedes-kosten/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20241030192107/https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/formel-1/teams-unfaelle-budget-cap-mercedes-kosten/ |archive-date=2024-10-30 |access-date=2024-11-03 |website=Auto Motor und Sport |language=de}}

Commentators have generally agreed the MCL38 has not achieved its best possible results, arguing that a range of strategic errors by McLaren, as well as mistakes by its two drivers, hindered its performance.{{Cite web |last=McDonagh |first=Connor |date=2024-07-08 |title=McLaren are not ready for F1 title fight as they throw away British GP 1-2 |url=https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/1052104/1/mclaren-are-not-ready-f1-title-fight-they-throw-away-british-gp-1-2 |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=Crash.net |language=en |archive-date=10 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710024513/https://www.crash.net/f1/feature/1052104/1/mclaren-are-not-ready-f1-title-fight-they-throw-away-british-gp-1-2 |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Saunders |first=Nate |date=2024-07-08 |title=Are McLaren becoming F1's 'what might have been' team? |url=https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/40519919/mclaren-becoming-f1-team |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=ESPN.com |publisher=ESPN |language=en |archive-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713160441/https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/40519919/mclaren-becoming-f1-team |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Nichol |first=Jake |date=2024-07-08 |title='McLaren must continue to make errors or it will never beat Red Bull' |url=https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-must-continue-to-make-errors-or-it-will-never-beat-red-bull |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en |archive-date=9 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709065453/https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-must-continue-to-make-errors-or-it-will-never-beat-red-bull |url-status=live }} After the British Grand Prix (the twelfth race of the season) Alex Kalinauckas of Motorsport.com, the editors of The Race, Luke Slater of The Telegraph, and Nigel Chiu of Sky Sports F1 all wrote that McLaren could have won an additional five races with the MCL38 had these errors not been made, and that Norris and McLaren could have been serious contenders for the World Championships.{{Cite news |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-07-08 |title=Repeated mistakes are costing Norris and McLaren too many F1 wins |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/repeated-mistakes-are-costing-norris-and-mclaren-too-many-f1-wins/10633036/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-07-13 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |archive-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711084928/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/repeated-mistakes-are-costing-norris-and-mclaren-too-many-f1-wins/10633036/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Chiu |first=Nigel |date=2024-07-10 |title=Lando Norris: How McLaren driver is letting 2024 F1 title challenge against Max Verstappen slip |url=https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13175649/lando-norris-how-mclaren-driver-is-letting-2024-f1-title-challenge-against-max-verstappen-slip |work=Sky Sports F1 |publisher=Sky Group |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-date=12 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240712103856/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13175649/lando-norris-how-mclaren-driver-is-letting-2024-f1-title-challenge-against-max-verstappen-slip |url-status=live }}{{Cite news |last=Slater |first=Luke |date=2024-07-08 |title=Lando Norris is cracking under pressure of a championship battle with Max Verstappen |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2024/07/08/lando-norris-mclaren-max-verstappen-championship-british-gp/ |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240708091600/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-1/2024/07/08/lando-norris-mclaren-max-verstappen-championship-british-gp/ |archive-date=2024-07-08 |access-date=2024-07-13 |work=The Telegraph |publisher=Telegraph Media Group |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235 |oclc=49632006}} Stella later defended the team, saying it was "not familiar with this [more competitive] position",{{Cite magazine |last=Straw |first=Edd |date=September 2024 |editor-last=Dunn |editor-first=Joe |title=McLaren's renaissance |url=https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-2024/60/the-story-behind-mclarens-f1-renaissance/ |url-access=subscription |access-date=2024-08-14 |magazine=Motor Sport |location=London |pages=60–68 |volume=100 |issue=9 |issn=0027-2019 |archive-date=14 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240814124702/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/september-2024/60/the-story-behind-mclarens-f1-renaissance/ |url-status=live }} and Norris said he would still consider the season a success regardless of whether or not he secured the WDC.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Andrew |date=2024-10-17 |title=Season still a success without drivers' title - Norris |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/cd0z81e8kgzo |access-date=2024-10-26 |website=BBC Sport |place=Austin |language=en-GB |publication-place=Manchester}} After the São Paulo Grand Prix, at which Verstappen effectively secured the WDC, Stella said that McLaren's only concern as a team was always the WCC, and Norris said that he had always believed it would be "a long shot" to overtake Verstappen on points.{{Cite news |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2024-11-05 |title=McLaren insists Norris title was never main goal, after Brazil setback |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-insists-norris-title-was-never-main-goal-after-brazil-setback/10670693/ |access-date=2024-11-14 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=11 November 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111024534/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/mclaren-insists-norris-title-was-never-main-goal-after-brazil-setback/10670693/ |url-status=live }} Norris's consistently good results after the Miami Grand Prix brought him close to overtaking Verstappen, but the latter's early dominance in the season proved insurmountable.{{Cite web |last=Edmondson |first=Laurence |date=2024-11-28 |title=McLaren's rapid rise in the constructors championship has revitalised F1 |url=https://www.espn.com.au/racing/f1/story/_/id/42663087/mclaren-rapid-rise-constructors-revitalised-f1 |access-date=2024-11-30 |website=ESPN.com.au |publisher=ESPN Inc. |language=en}}{{Cite news |last=Baldwin |first=Alan |date=2024-11-24 |editor-last=Radnedge |editor-first=Christian |title=Title was lost in first six races, says Norris |url=https://www.reuters.com/sports/formula1/title-was-lost-first-six-races-says-norris-2024-11-24/ |access-date=2024-11-30 |work=Reuters |publisher=Thomson Reuters |publication-place=London}} Stella said the team's success was not because the MCL38 was the fastest car, but because it had been "the best car at a few events."{{Cite web |last=Nichol |first=Jake |last2=Deckers |first2=Aaron |date=2024-11-14 |title=McLaren ‘cash in’ setbacks in F1 title ‘quest’ |url=https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-cash-in-setbacks-in-f1-title-quest |access-date=2024-11-14 |website=RacingNews365 |language=en}} In a retrospective analysis of McLaren's season, former Formula One strategist Bernadette Collins concluded that Norris could have won the WDC with a strategically perfect season, noting that although Verstappen and Red Bull also did not maximise their potential, more of Verstappen's losses were due to reliability issues.{{Cite web |last=Collins |first=Bernie |author-link=Bernadette Collins |date=2024-12-20 |title=Could Norris have beaten Verstappen to the title had he maximised every race in 2024? |url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-strategist-could-norris-have-beaten-verstappen-to-the-title-had-he.4kfjZS4ZwAzpk8I3G82aAJ |url-access=registration |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=Formula1.com |publisher=Formula One Administration |language=en |archive-date=21 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241221013033/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/the-strategist-could-norris-have-beaten-verstappen-to-the-title-had-he.4kfjZS4ZwAzpk8I3G82aAJ |url-status=live }} McLaren had no issues with mechanical reliability, scoring points on 46 of 48 occasions.{{Cite news |last=Kalinauckas |first=Alex |date=2024-12-11 |title=The unspoken major factor behind McLaren's 2024 F1 title win |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-unspoken-major-factor-behind-mclarens-2024-f1-title-win/10681483/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |archive-date=15 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241215235115/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/the-unspoken-major-factor-behind-mclarens-2024-f1-title-win/10681483/ |url-status=live }}

The MCL38 winning the WCC was the first for a customer team since Brawn GP won the {{F1|2009}} titles with the BGP 001, challenging the conventional assumption that a team would need its own or a purpose-built engine to win a championship, particularly after the introduction of the complex turbo-hybrid power units in {{F1|2014}}.{{Cite web |last=Mitchell-Malm |first=Scott |last2=Straw |first2=Edd |date=2024-12-12 |title=McLaren's proved its former F1 bosses completely wrong |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-proved-former-f1-bosses-completely-wrong/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=16 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216220914/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/mclaren-proved-former-f1-bosses-completely-wrong/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=Beer |first=Matt |date=2024-12-09 |title=When did a customer team last win the F1 title? |url=https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-mclaren-2024-customer-team-titles/ |access-date=2024-12-21 |website=The Race |language=en |archive-date=10 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241210220013/https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f1-mclaren-2024-customer-team-titles/ |url-status=live }} Previously, several senior McLaren staff had made similar statements, including Ron Dennis and Éric Boullier. Stella called the "conviction that you need to be a works team [...] more of an excuse than a technical fact." Others argued Dennis and Bouiller made their comments before the FIA mandated parity between the engines used by works teams and those supplied to their customers, which began in {{F1|2018}}.{{Cite news |last=Noble |first=Jonathan |date=2024-12-12 |title=How McLaren's triumph proves Dennis's 'customer teams cannot win' claims were right |url=https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclarens-triumph-proves-denniss-customer-teams-cannot-win-claims-were-right/10681872/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241216234453/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/how-mclarens-triumph-proves-denniss-customer-teams-cannot-win-claims-were-right/10681872/ |archive-date=16 December 2024 |access-date=2025-01-04 |work=Motorsport.com |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en |url-status=live }}

The car won International Competition Car of the Year at the 2025 Autosport Awards.{{Cite web |last=Boxall-Legge |first=Jake |date=2025-01-29 |title=McLaren MCL38 wins Autosport’s International Competition Car of the Year |url=https://www.autosport.com/autosport-awards/news/mclaren-mcl38-wins-autosports-international-competition-car-of-the-year/10692237/ |access-date=2025-01-30 |website=Autosport |publisher=Motorsport Network |language=en}}

Complete Formula One results

{{hidden

| style = width: 25%;

| headerstyle = background: #ccccff; font-size: 110%;

| contentstyle = text-align: center; color: green;

| header = Key

| content = {{F1 driver results legend 8}}

}}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%" ! rowspan="2" \|Year ! rowspan="2" \|Entrant ! rowspan="2" \|Engine ! rowspan="2" \|Tyres ! rowspan="2" \|Drivers ! colspan="24" \|Grands Prix ! rowspan="2" \|Points ! rowspan="2" \|WCC
BHR !SAU !AUS !JPN !CHN !MIA !EMI !MON !CAN !ESP !AUT !GBR !HUN !BEL !NED !ITA !AZE !SIN !USA !MXC !SAP !LVG !QAT !ABU
rowspan="2" \|{{F1\|2024}} \| rowspan="2" \|McLaren F1 Team \| rowspan="2" \|{{nowrap\|Mercedes-AMG}} {{nowrap\|F1 M15 E Performance}} {{nowrap\|1.6 V6 t}} \| rowspan="2" \|{{Pirelli}} \| align="left" \|{{nowrap\|{{Flagicon\|GBR}} Lando Norris}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|BHR}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|SAU}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|AUS}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|JPN}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|CHN}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|MIA}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|EMI}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|MON}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|CAN}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|ESP}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|AUT}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|GBR}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|HUN}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|BEL}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|NED}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|ITA}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|AZE}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|SIN}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|USA}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|MXC}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|SAP}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|LVG}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|QAT}} \|{{F1R2024\|NOR\|ABU}} !rowspan="2" style="background:#ffffbf;"\|666 !rowspan="2" style="background:#ffffbf;"\|1st
align=left\|{{flagicon\|AUS}} Oscar Piastri \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|BHR}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|SAU}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|AUS}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|JPN}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|CHN}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|MIA}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|EMI}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|MON}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|CAN}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|ESP}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|AUT}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|GBR}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|HUN}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|BEL}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|NED}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|ITA}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|AZE}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|SIN}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|USA}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|MXC}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|SAP}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|LVG}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|QAT}} \|{{F1R2024\|PIA\|ABU}}
colspan="31"\| Source:{{Cite web \|date=2024 \|title=McLaren MCL38 \|url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/mclaren-MCL38.aspx \|access-date=2024-05-05 \|website=StatsF1 \|archive-date=25 January 2024 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125010151/https://www.statsf1.com/en/mclaren-MCL38.aspx \|url-status=live }}

class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; font-size:85%"

! rowspan="2" |Year

! rowspan="2" |Entrant

! rowspan="2" |Engine

! rowspan="2" |Tyres

! rowspan="2" |Drivers

! colspan="24" |Grands Prix

! rowspan="2" |Points

! rowspan="2" |WCC

BHR

!SAU

!AUS

!JPN

!CHN

!MIA

!EMI

!MON

!CAN

!ESP

!AUT

!GBR

!HUN

!BEL

!NED

!ITA

!AZE

!SIN

!USA

!MXC

!SAP

!LVG

!QAT

!ABU

rowspan="2" |{{F1|2024}}

| rowspan="2" |McLaren F1 Team

| rowspan="2" |{{nowrap|Mercedes-AMG}}
{{nowrap|F1 M15 E Performance}}
{{nowrap|1.6 V6 t}}

| rowspan="2" |{{Pirelli}}

| align="left" |{{nowrap|{{Flagicon|GBR}} Lando Norris}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|BHR}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|SAU}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|AUS}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|JPN}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|CHN}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|MIA}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|EMI}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|MON}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|CAN}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|ESP}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|AUT}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|GBR}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|HUN}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|BEL}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|NED}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|ITA}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|AZE}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|SIN}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|USA}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|MXC}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|SAP}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|LVG}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|QAT}}

|{{F1R2024|NOR|ABU}}

!rowspan="2" style="background:#ffffbf;"|666

!rowspan="2" style="background:#ffffbf;"|1st

align=left|{{flagicon|AUS}} Oscar Piastri

|{{F1R2024|PIA|BHR}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|SAU}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|AUS}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|JPN}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|CHN}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|MIA}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|EMI}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|MON}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|CAN}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|ESP}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|AUT}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|GBR}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|HUN}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|BEL}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|NED}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|ITA}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|AZE}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|SIN}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|USA}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|MXC}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|SAP}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|LVG}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|QAT}}

|{{F1R2024|PIA|ABU}}

colspan="31"| Source:{{Cite web |date=2024 |title=McLaren MCL38 |url=https://www.statsf1.com/en/mclaren-MCL38.aspx |access-date=2024-05-05 |website=StatsF1 |archive-date=25 January 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125010151/https://www.statsf1.com/en/mclaren-MCL38.aspx |url-status=live }}

† – Norris did not finish the Grand Prix, but was classified as he completed more than 90% of the race distance.

Notes

References

External links

{{Commons-inline|links=the McLaren MCL38}}
[https://www.mclaren.com/racing/ McLaren official website]

MP4-38

McLaren MCL38

Category:Formula One championship–winning cars