F1 News: McLaren Accused of Copying Aston Martin as Upgrades Spark Debate

The Austrian Grand Prix weekend will begin today and as the teams and drivers arrived to set up for the weekend, some eagle-eyed journalists spied new sidepods which will feature on Lando Norris' McLaren MCL60. However, when these photos were shared to social media, fans were quick to accuse the team of copying Aston Martin's design.

Albert Fabrega shared to Twitter:

"First pictures of new McLaren sidepods. Only on Norris car today."

Primeras fotos de los nuevos pontones de McLaren. Solo en el coche de Norris hoy.

First pictures of new McLaren sidepods. Only on Norris car today. #f1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/Ou61Xn8GtM
— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) June 29, 2023

One fan commented saying that it is a pity that teams inevitably end up going with similar designs to the top teams. They wrote:

"In the end they all end up copying the best and the cars will all be the same again... a pity"

Al final todos acaban copiando a los mejores y los coches van a volver ser todos iguales...una pena
— O neto de Aquilino🇪🇦 (@SrPiston) June 29, 2023

Another fan kept it short and sweet, claiming that it is just a copy of Aston Martin. They posted:

"So it’s a copy of Aston Martin"

So it’s a copy of Aston Martin 😂😂😂
— waffler_ (@justwaffler_) June 29, 2023

The Woking-based squad confirmed that they will be bringing huge upgrades spread over the coming races, stating that almost every aerodynamic part will be changed. Although, some fans may think bringing an upgrade to Austria is a bold choice as it hosts the second sprint race of the season. This means that the McLaren team will only have the one hour practice session to gather data surrounding the upgrades.

Another fan commented that with the new sidepod it looks like an orange Aston Martin AMR23. They wrote:

"Orange aston Martin?"

Orange aston Martin?
— Dalah  (@Dalah5511) June 29, 2023

Fabrega shared some more photos of the sidepods acknowledging that they look similar to both the Aston Martin and Red Bull. He shared:

"Details of new McLaren's sidepod. Abit of Aston Martin, a bit of Red Bull..."

Detalles del nuevo pontón del McLaren. Un poco de Aston Martin, un poco de Red Bull...

Details of new McLaren's sidepod. Abit of Aston Martin, a bit of Red Bull...#f1 #AustrianGP pic.twitter.com/O6NNTNZCwY
— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) June 29, 2023