Questions about the Mercedes engine have resurfaced at the struggling McLaren team.

      "It likely needs some extra components."

      McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has acknowledged that the current constructors’ champions are looking for explanations from Mercedes after finding that the factory team appears to be deriving more performance from its Formula 1 engine. The issue became apparent at Silverstone when it was revealed that works Mercedes drivers have been employing an unforeseen throttle-lift technique on the straights, which caught McLaren off guard. "We were somewhat taken aback, as it’s not something we’ve talked about, and honestly, I’m not even certain it’s something accessible to us," Stella informed reporters. "It likely needs some additional elements, let’s say, to utilize the power unit that way."

      Earlier this season, Stella indicated that McLaren had faced disadvantages for the first time as a Mercedes customer under the new regulations, though the engine manufacturer aimed to reassure the Woking-based squad. At this point, Stella states that further conversations are ongoing with Mercedes High Performance Powertrains. "As I’ve mentioned before, we’re engaging in discussions with HPP on a technical level to ensure we’re getting the most out of this power unit, which is exceptional, a genuine marvel of technology," he said. "It possesses tremendous performance potential, which also relates to the specifics of its functionality. When we review the performance on the straights, even considering that they might have lower aerodynamic drag, there are still some uncertainties."

      Stella also mentioned that McLaren has not yet received the latest engine specification from Mercedes. "We inquired with HPP about the delay in receiving this specification. We understand their rationale. We have confidence in HPP. Our collaboration in previous years has been excellent. They have played a key role in our back-to-back world championship successes. So this does not alter the foundation of our relationship." Mercedes has indicated that the update pertains to reliability, and Stella is hopeful that McLaren will get it before the next race at Spa.

      These concerns arise amid a challenging season for McLaren, as world champion Lando Norris admitted that the team's issues go beyond Silverstone. "We’ve been slow all year. We’re still slow," he stated. Norris believes that competitors Mercedes and Ferrari have simply advanced their cars more effectively. "They’ve introduced numerous improvements, and we haven’t added anything that has provided us with a significant performance boost," he noted. "To be honest, the car was undrivable," Norris remarked after the British GP. He concluded with a stark evaluation of the MCL40. "It’s perhaps one of the most challenging cars I’ve ever driven in Formula 1."