How McLaren’s Mermaid Tails Aim to Reignite Classic F1 Aerodynamics

McLaren introduced a unique aerodynamic feature at the recent Canadian Grand Prix, aiming to revive a familiar concept from Formula 1’s past success stories. The team debuted newly designed “mermaid tails” at the base of the front wing endplates.

These small, fin-shaped vortex generators are designed to channel air around the front wheels, reducing turbulence and pushing airflow outward. This approach is intended not just to update the front wing, but to change how air flows along the car’s floor, impacting the all-important downforce levels during a typical race weekend.

Image credit: www.planetf1.com

The Canadian GP, held at Montreal’s Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, often sees little in the way of major updates due to its medium-speed corners and the demanding logistical journey across the Atlantic. This year was different, with McLaren and Mercedes each rolling out targeted, smaller upgrades instead of waiting to return to Europe.

While McLaren’s changes targeted the front-end, Mercedes focused on the lateral edge of the W16’s floor, adding more vortex generators to further push air out to the sides. The inspiration for these upgrades comes from the past—specifically, Brawn GP’s car from 2009, which used a similar “outwash” concept on the front wing to help move dirty air away from critical aerodynamic surfaces.

Pushing turbulent air outboard helps keep it off the floor’s leading edge, making it easier to generate downforce over the corners and straights. While these “mermaid tails” don’t massively change the front wing’s raw performance, they have a direct impact on stability and efficiency, giving McLaren a subtle edge.

Mercedes’ approach with the W16 followed a similar philosophy, increasing the number of vortex generators on the floor’s edge to encourage more outwash. This tweak improved the car’s handling over kerbs, boosting driver confidence during the race.

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For George Russell, these updates paid off. Russell claimed pole position and later secured victory at Montreal, with the car displaying increased balance throughout the event. His recent success helps cement Mercedes’ position in the championship fight.

The 2025 F1 standings now see McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris sitting first and second, with 198 and 176 points, respectively. Mercedes follows in the teams’ standings with 199 points, while Russell’s recent success helps cement Mercedes’ position in the championship fight.

The upgrades seen in Canada underline how marginal gains at the front and floor of the car can make a significant difference across an F1 season. Small aerodynamic upgrades are often overlooked, yet they can offer a strategic advantage, especially when regulations limit more dramatic innovation.

With scheduled races at Austria’s Red Bull Ring and Silverstone coming up, teams will be watching closely to see if McLaren’s “mermaid tails” and Mercedes’ floor tweaks set trends others must follow. As development continues, every detail counts in the battle for engineering supremacy in Formula 1.

Lando Norris, despite sitting second in the standings, has recently been under scrutiny, as seen in his F1 penalty, which could impact his challenges in upcoming races.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.