Formula 1 News: Ferrari and Red Bull Unveil Extensive Upgrades for Spanish Grand Prix
Ahead of this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing have brought an impressive list of upgrades to their Formula 1 machines, as reported by F1 Today (June 20, 2024). The Barcelona circuit, considered a benchmark for F1 teams, is where a quick car can shine, and both teams are looking to improve their performance.
Ferrari has introduced seven key upgrades to its car, including a circuit-specific rear wing, engine cover, floor fences, floor body, edge, diffuser, and halo. Charles Leclerc explained that the changes aim to “improve the package overall,” by increasing downforce and reducing drag. This sweeping set of upgrades is a significant step forward for the Scuderia.
Meanwhile, Red Bull Racing has also brought a substantial upgrade package to Barcelona, featuring a midfield engine cover, sidepod inlet, floor body, rear wing, and beam wing, as well as a circuit-specific front brake cooling duct. Daniel Ricciardo expressed confidence in the upgrades, saying, “We’re expecting an improvement.” Yuki Tsunoda concurred, stating that the upgrade “seems for sure to give some step forward in general.”
While Red Bull is expected to lead the way in Barcelona, Ferrari is hot on their heels, with five upgrades to the RB20, including revised sidepod inlet geometry, engine cover, and floor body changes to cope with the warmer Spanish temperatures. A revised beam wing and rear wing endplates are also part of the package, aimed at strengthening their performance.
“A good car in Barcelona doesn’t necessarily translate to success at other circuits,” noted Carlos Sainz, citing Baku as an example. This is reflected in the fact that Mercedes, McLaren, Alpine, and Williams haven’t brought upgrades this weekend, while Aston Martin, Sauber, and Haas have made minimal changes.
Aston Martin has introduced three revisions to the AMR24, including changes to the front suspension and front and rear corners to improve aerodynamic flow and load. Sauber has brought two upgrades to the C44, a reprofiled rear wing and front corner, to enhance overall aerodynamic efficiency. Haas has introduced a single upgrade to the VF-24, an upwashing flick on the trailing edge of the rear impact structure for a marginal load increase.
As the Formula 1 calendar heads into the Spanish Grand Prix, these upgrades will be crucial in determining the pecking order. With Formula 1 tyres playing a critical role in this weekend’s race, the teams will be closely monitoring their performance. Stay tuned for the latest Formula 1 news and updates from the Spanish Grand Prix.
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