Silverstone: comparing the McLaren and Mercedes transmissions

How McLaren and Mercedes downshift and select gears through the Silverstone sweepers. The comparison between sixth and seventh at Copse, Maggotts and Stowe.

Muretto · Redazione tecnica24 July 2026·Silverstone · Qualifiche

Gears in the fast stuff The choice of gear ratio in the high-speed sweepers

At Copse (Turn 9) Norris takes the entry in seventh gear at 292 km/h, keeping the engine at an ideal speed for the following full aerodynamic load phase. Russell prefers to change down to sixth gear at 285 km/h to make use of more engine braking on turn-in.

In 8th, engine speed rises with velocity according to the ratio: the McLaren line is steeper (shorter ratio). At 300 km/h the McLaren runs 583 revs higher than the Mercedes, with the same engine.

Maggotts and Becketts Fluency through the direction changes at high lateral acceleration

Through the famous fast complex, the McLaren holds a higher gear that reduces torque transfer to the rear axle, allowing Norris to take the direction change with less steering angle.

Rpm at 300 km/h in 8th, by team (axis truncated from 10,200 to read the differences). Higher = shorter 8th. McLaren is clear at the top.

Stopwatch verdict The platform stability that rewards the long-ratio choice

Holding a higher gear in the fast sweepers reduces stress on the tyres and ensures a more linear line at the apex of the corner.