McLaren MP4-16 launch: The next generation

Due to the new regulations in F1, which centre on aerodynamic changes to the front and rear wings, Newey has taken a fresh line of attack for the MP4-16 which will be driven by double World Champion Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.

"The MP4-16 is not evolutionary but a totally new car for the new rules," he said. "The main one of which is the change to the front wing regulations [raising it by 50mm] and this has had quite a knock-on effect on the configuration of the remainder of the car. The 50mm might not seem a great deal, but it has had a great impact on the design of the car. In addition, we have a much smaller rear wing. The upper wing is now limited in depth and to a total of three elements, whereas at places like Monaco and Hungary teams have run seven or eight elements in the past."

He added: "The lower part of the rear wing is limited to a single element, where previously some teams have run three elements. This also has to be mounted very low on the car, so those two changes drastically reduce the amount of wing downforce available. This doesn't translate into a big change at circuits like Hockenheim and Monza, but at tracks like Hungary and Monaco there will be a pretty dramatic reduction in the downforce levels."

Other rule changes that have impacted the design of the new McLaren have been more stringent safety tests laid down by the sport's governing body, the FIA.

"There are various primary safety structure changes, including much higher roll hoop loads," said Newey. "There are also new side penetration tests, which are in response largely to some Formula 3000 accidents where one car has T-boned the other and the nose has penetrated the monocoque. We have also had to accommodate a new side-impact test which is required further forward along the cockpit, the knock-on effect of which has prompted longer sidepods relative to the driver's position."

One of the few carry-over aspects of the new McLaren will be last year's gearbox, while the Mercedes FO110K V10 engine is an evolution of previous designs.

"The MP4-14 and 15 were both evolutions of the MP4-13," added Newey. "The MP4-16 is a product of these changes in regulation and, as such, we have worked hard to hopefully provide a good base from which we can develop to the new regulations which are combined with the re-introduction of a tyre war."