Where McLaren made the difference with cooling in Hungary

The Hungaroring once again presented a fascinating technical challenge, as explained by Mark Hughes and illustrated by Giorgio Piola. This circuit uniquely demands both high raw downforce and extensive cooling, a combination made tricky by Budapest's summer heat and the track's lack of long straights. Prolonged cornering further restricts airflow to radiators, forcing teams to open up bodywork significantly. While crucial for thermal management, this extensively opened bodywork incurs a substantial aerodynamic penalty. The inherent conflict between these competing demands creates explicit jeopardy for teams striving to maximize performance, highlighting the delicate balance required to succeed in Hungary.