Technical document shows Racing Bulls and Haas with four updates each, in a stage marked by aerodynamic efficiency adjustments for Spa-Francorchamps.
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The FIA released on Friday (17) the document with the updates declared by the teams for the Belgian Grand Prix of Formula 1, at Spa-Francorchamps. Unlike other stages, the material shows a weekend with a greater focus on aerodynamic efficiency, drag reduction, and specific adjustments for the long straights and high-speed corners of the Belgian circuit.
Racing Bulls and Haas appear as the teams with the highest volume of news, with four updates each. Mercedes and Williams follow, with three declared items. McLaren and Audi presented two changes, while Red Bull, Alpine, and Cadillac declared one update each. Ferrari and Aston Martin did not present news for this stage.
Racing Bulls brought a broad package to Spa. The team declared changes in the side region of the bodywork and engine cover, in the upper air intake, in the front assembly, and in the rear wing. The overall reading is of an update aimed at improving the quality of the air that flows through the car, especially towards the rear, as well as seeking more efficiency in generating aerodynamic downforce.
Haas also appears with four updates. The team worked on the front wing, the side of the front wing, the front assembly, and the beam wing. The changes aim to increase aerodynamic downforce in specific areas without compromising the overall efficiency of the car, something important at Spa, where the balance between straight-line speed and corner grip is decisive.
Mercedes presented three novelties for the Belgian weekend. The team brought an adjusted rear wing to reduce aerodynamic pressure and drag at a level more suitable to Spa’s characteristics. There were also changes in the rear assembly, with small fins in the brake duct area, and on the side of the front wing, aiming to improve the airflow that goes to the rear of the car.
Williams also declared three updates. The team worked on the rear assembly and two areas of the floor. Part of the changes is specific to Spa and seeks to adjust the balance between aerodynamic downforce and drag at the rear of the car. Another change on the floor focuses on improving how the air passes through the diffuser area, an important piece for generating aerodynamic pressure.
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McLaren brought two updates, both related to the rear wing. One is a change on the side of the wing, to improve airflow control, while the other is a new rear wing assembly specifically designed to reduce drag on the straights and maintain efficiency in the corners. The choice matches Spa’s demands, a circuit where straight-line speed has an important weight in performance.
Audi, Gabriel Bortoleto’s team, also declared two changes. The first is a rear wing specific to the Belgian GP, adjusted to the aerodynamic needs of the circuit. The second is a small change in the diffuser, aiming to improve the behavior of the airflow at the rear of the car. The package is smaller than seen in other GPs but follows the efficiency logic required by Spa.
Red Bull declared only one update, on the rear wing. The change involves the supports of the piece and seeks to extract more aerodynamic downforce without compromising airflow stability. Alpine also presented a single novelty, on the halo, with a small fin and new fairing to improve the airflow heading towards the rear. Cadillac worked on the side of the front wing, aiming to improve the quality of the air reaching the floor.
Ferrari and Aston Martin did not declare updates for the Belgian GP. This does not mean that the teams cannot change setups throughout the weekend, but indicates that they did not present new parts or relevant bodywork changes in the technical document sent to the FIA.
The document reinforces the importance of Spa-Francorchamps’ characteristics in car development. With long acceleration sections, fast corners, and the need for a compromise between top speed and grip, teams focused efforts on rear wings, floor, diffuser, and elements that help organize airflow. On a track like Spa, reducing drag without losing stability can make a direct difference in performance.
Didn’t understand some technical term of the updates? See F1 Mania’s glossary on Formula 1 parts and aerodynamic concepts.
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