Mercedes and McLaren, despite sharing the same power unit, utilize distinct gearbox philosophies that significantly impact performance. McLaren designs and manufactures its own gearbox with shorter gear ratios, prioritizing immediate acceleration and strong race starts. This approach delivers advantages in the initial acceleration phase and on circuits with shorter straights, as observed in strong launches this season.

However, this comes at a cost on long straights, where McLaren's top speed can trail Mercedes by over 10 km/h. Mercedes, conversely, opts for longer gear ratios, a choice that helps keep engine revs higher through slow corners, maximizing battery recharging and delivering superior top speed on extended straights. This trade-off was evident in Miami, where McLaren struggled on the long straight, and in Canada, where they matched Mercedes on short bursts but lost out on the circuit's longest straight. Each team's choice creates a strategic dynamic, with gearbox ratios now a critical factor dictating performance across different circuit layouts.

Read the full story at Autosport