Red Bull and Ferrari are gearing up for the Spanish Grand Prix with some substantial car upgrades. As the competition heats up, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya will be a critical test for those vying for the top spots.
At the forefront of these changes is Red Bull, which has made specific tweaks to the sidepods and the floor of the RB20. Fresh off a victory in Canada, Max Verstappen is looking to maintain his winning streak, but Red Bull’s recent struggles over kerbs have them focusing heavily on Barcelona for a more accurate gauge of their performance.
The FIA has confirmed a slew of upgrades for Red Bull, including a redesign of the sidepod inlet for better cooling efficiency and modifications to the engine cover side panels and floor. They’ve also made performance-centered changes to the rear wing endplate and beam wing to exploit available air pressure, improving local load.
Ferrari isn’t sitting idle either. They’ve introduced a high downforce rear wing tailored for Barcelona, along with a series of performance upgrades. Their revised sidepod and revamped diffuser are designed to optimize airflow, while changes to the floor body, fences, and edge enhance stability. Added to this are alterations to the Halo trailing edge aimed at refining the management of aerodynamic losses.
Aston Martin has made tweaks to their front suspension and rear of the AMR24, improving local load around the suspension fairings and external duct. They’ve also revised the position of the lower deflector at the rear to increase load on the surrounding areas.
Sauber has taken a different approach, adjusting the rear wing with a redesigned pylon, main plane and flap. They’ve redesigned the exit ducts of the front brake ducts to enhance aerodynamic flow and cooling. Meanwhile, Haas has made a smaller but notable change by adding a small winglet to the rear impact structure, boosting local upwash and marginal load.
With these significant upgrades, the Spanish Grand Prix is shaping up to be an intriguing contest. Red Bull and Ferrari are pulling out all the stops to solidify their positions, while other teams like Aston Martin, Sauber, and Haas are making their own crucial changes.
The upcoming Spanish GP is set to be a critical juncture for many top teams. With both Red Bull and Ferrari pushing the envelope in terms of car upgrades, fans can expect an exciting and highly competitive race.
