Some of the fundamental differences between Ferrari and McLaren.
FerrariA The wheelbase of the F2007 is 3135 mm, the longest of all cars. A solution that garantuees an advantage on aerodynamic circuits with fast corners, but can be a handicap on circuits with the opposite characteristics.
B The drivability is closely related to the wheelbase of the car. The F2007 suffers on tracks with a lot tight and slow corners like Monaco but feels at home on circuits with wide and fast corners (and a good rythem can be attained on) like Istanbul and Spa.
C The geometry and choice of bars/dampers (inside the car) are fundamental for the suspensions. Usually Ferrari opts for a very stiff set-up with hard settings of the dampers that work well on smooth and fluent circuits.
D Ferrari can struggle a lot when there are high kerbstones on the sides of the circuit (which is usually the case on slower circuits). The car tends to heighten with the tyres not having full contact with the track going through corners.
E Compared to McLaren, Ferrari has a more 'traditional' aerodynamic package, that is most suited to obtain downforce levels on a nice flowing track with a, more or less, constant airstream throughout the lap.
McLaren1 The MP4-22 is exactly the opposite when it conerns the wheelbase: it's the shortest of all cars. This greatly enhances the drivability on circuits like Monaco and the Hungaroring.
2 The typology and moreover the placement (horizontally at the underside) of the brake spring pliers, offers greater braking stability and a lower point of gravity. Usually McLaren opts for soft settings of the suspensions and dampers etc., especially on tracks with a lot of corners with high kerbstones.
3 Mechanically the MP4-22 is strong and with these soft settings the car is able to go over bumps and kebstones smoothly and keep a good contact patch with the asphalt.
4 On circuits that require heavy braking, and thus consequently, strong accelerations out of corners, the MP4-22 offers great traction.
5 Compared to Ferrari, the aerodynamics look more sophistacted, perhaps even exasperate. The package is most efficient in obtaining downforce levels at low speeds (think about Monaco once again).
