McLaren Applied Technologies, the Formula 1 team's sister company, "unveiled an extreme concept of how grand prix racing could look" in '50, according to Scott Mitchell of AUTOSPORT. As part of the vision, it released images of a car concept dubbed the MCLExtreme, a 500km-per-hour rear-wheel drive electric car powered by a "foldable battery moulded to the aerodynamic package." The aero would be "shape-shifting," while the car technology would include an onboard AI co-pilot and "self-healing tyres." MAT's Future Grand Prix "vision" assesses what car, driver, tracks and fan experiences "could evolve into." McLaren said that it "conducted extensive research that included speaking to fans," assessing "international policy on vehicle electrification and emission targets" and evaluating how human and car technology "is likely to change" (AUTOSPORT, 1/23). In London, Nathan Salt reported the work done by MAT "encapsulates more" than just the racecar for the drivers in three decades' time. MAT also extensively offered its thoughts on "developments in driver human performance, racing tracks of the future and the fan experience we can expect to see" in '50. In the unveiling, McLaren wrote, "Staying true to the sport's mission to be road relevant, we don't expect race cars to fly by 2050. Flying road cars equals more aerial congestion, more noise pollution and probably more accidents." It added, "Efficiency is absolutely essential for successful racing teams and chasing quicker times rarely ever puts efficiency at risk. But with cars getting faster, a fascinating feature on the latest design sees contractible side-pods that alter depending on the natural conditions. Taking inspiration from nature, the MCLE features sidepods that expand and contract like the gills of a great white shark. They turn it into a 500 km/h bullet on the straights, but expand as the car enters braking zones and corners to provide stability and control" (DAILY MAIL, 1/23).
