Maybe we need a thread about setup in the technical section but quite simply there are a multitude of things that can be changed. These include things like wheel camber, brake pads, wing angle, suspension rebound, suspension stiffness, tyre pressure, ride height, rake, gear ratios, engine mapping, etc.
Each one of these has a direct or indirect effect on the other. If one driver has a really good balance, good pace and good handling, traction etc. in his car then taking one setting from the other car will unbalance the other settings already in place. Optimum setup is about a harmony between all of these adjustable parts and that harmony must critically resonate with the driver's input. Driver input is also another variable which can be controlled and tuned.
In relation to McLaren, as it is thier driver pairing that raises these questions at the moment, I believe the problem is that Jenson, as a variable, has a more limited range than Lewis. This means that the team have to try to bring the car to him whereas on the other side of the garage there is more of a convergence - where the driver and car can be brought to each other with more effect.
I really want to go into a lot more detail on this but let me post that as a starter and see if it jogs any of you to input on this approach to evaluating things.
Each one of these has a direct or indirect effect on the other. If one driver has a really good balance, good pace and good handling, traction etc. in his car then taking one setting from the other car will unbalance the other settings already in place. Optimum setup is about a harmony between all of these adjustable parts and that harmony must critically resonate with the driver's input. Driver input is also another variable which can be controlled and tuned.
In relation to McLaren, as it is thier driver pairing that raises these questions at the moment, I believe the problem is that Jenson, as a variable, has a more limited range than Lewis. This means that the team have to try to bring the car to him whereas on the other side of the garage there is more of a convergence - where the driver and car can be brought to each other with more effect.
I really want to go into a lot more detail on this but let me post that as a starter and see if it jogs any of you to input on this approach to evaluating things.