FIA document shows McLaren and Mercedes with changes aimed at aerodynamic efficiency in Spa, while Red Bull made a specific adjustment and Ferrari did not declare any news.
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McLaren, Mercedes, and Red Bull declared updates for the Belgian Grand Prix in Formula 1, at Spa-Francorchamps, according to the technical document released by the FIA before the start of track activities. Ferrari, on the other hand, did not present any news for this stage.
The document shows that the main front teams adopted different paths for Spa. McLaren brought two updates, both related to the rear wing. Mercedes presented three changes, involving the rear wing, rear assembly, and side of the front wing. Red Bull declared only one change, also on the rear wing. Ferrari did not register new parts in the material sent to the FIA.
McLaren focused its package on the rear of the car. The team declared a change on the side of the rear wing, aiming to improve the air organization in that area, and also a new rear wing assembly specific to Spa’s characteristics. The proposal is to reduce drag on the straights while maintaining sufficient efficiency in fast corners.
The choice makes sense for the Belgian circuit. Spa-Francorchamps demands top speed in sections like Kemmel and Blanchimont, but also requires stability in high-speed corners. Therefore, an efficient rear wing can be decisive in finding the balance between low aerodynamic drag and grip.
Mercedes, in turn, presented a slightly broader package. The main change is also on the rear wing, with a configuration designed to reduce aerodynamic pressure and drag at a level more suitable for the Belgian track. Simply put, the team tries to make the car more efficient on the straights without compromising too much the behavior in corners.
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Additionally, Mercedes declared changes in the rear assembly, with small fins in the brake duct area, and on the side of the front wing. These changes aim to improve the control of the air passing through the car and reaching the rear, something important to maintain aerodynamic stability at different speeds and ride heights.
Red Bull appeared with only one update in the FIA document. The change is on the rear wing supports, seeking to improve the generation of downforce in that area and preserve airflow stability. It is a specific change, but in an important region for Spa, where rear wing efficiency usually has a significant impact on performance.
Ferrari was the only one among these four teams that did not declare updates for the Belgian GP. This does not mean the team will not work on specific setups throughout the weekend, but indicates that it did not present new parts or relevant bodywork changes in the technical document.
The difference between the approaches shows how Spa demands commitment. McLaren and Mercedes brought changes more directly linked to aerodynamic configuration for the Belgian track. Red Bull opted for a smaller update, while Ferrari arrives without declared news. On a long, fast circuit sensitive to the balance between straight-line speed and stability, these different paths can have a direct impact on the performance battle throughout the weekend.
Didn’t understand some technical term from the updates? See the F1 Mania glossary on Formula 1 aerodynamic parts and concepts.
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