But, having placed so much emphasis on improvements last year, has McLaren reached the limit of its gains or is there still plenty of potential left in its package?
Unsurprisingly, the MCL38 is an evolution of the machine that raced in Abu Dhabi, albeit with the bodywork and components optimised to take further advantage of the performance accrued throughout the season.
Starting with the sidepods, the MCL38 features the down-sloping ramp-style bodywork at the rear, complete with a waterslide gulley that's been re-optimised to take into consideration the subtle changes made to the engine cover's shelf-like outcropping.
It's here where the cooling gill panels have also been condensed. However, given the panels can be interchanged we're only seeing one level of cooling here, with other options available depending on the amount of heat rejection required.
Source: Autosport