Belgian Grand Prix: Team Updates and Technical Developments
As the Formula 1 teams head into the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, eight out of ten teams have rolled out new components despite limited practice time due to the Sprint format. Only Haas and Sauber have refrained from upgrades, while the other teams aim to leverage a three-week gap between races to enhance performance.
Key Upgrades
McLaren is introducing a low-downforce rear wing designed to improve efficiency for upcoming circuits.
Ferrari is capturing attention with its new rear suspension. This revision of suspension geometry aims to maximize aerodynamic efficiency through optimized wishbone fairings and winglet cascades.
Red Bull Racing has made several noteworthy updates, including a new front wing that alters pressure distribution to increase overall load. Additionally, a revised camber on the rear wing assembly enhances downforce. Improvements have also been made to the cooling system with a new sidepod inlet, necessitating adjustments to the engine cover and suspension fairings.
Mercedes has implemented minor enhancements, including adjustments to the front wing’s second element and the rear corner’s drum lip, aimed at better tire wake control.
Aston Martin has launched a comprehensive update package that includes a new nose and front wing assembly aimed at improving performance across the operating range, along with tweaks to the front wing flap.
Alpine has made track-specific modifications to its rear and beam wings, while Racing Bulls have introduced a new diffuser and rear brake duct winglets to condition airflow around the rear.
Finally, Williams has rolled out a new floor equipped with updated floor fences and a revised edge, which enhance front floor load and improve airflow into the diffuser.
With only an hour of practice available before Sprint qualifying, teams will need to collect data efficiently to gauge the impact of their updates in this critical event at Spa.
