(Motorsport-Total.com) – While many teams at the 2026 Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix (follow all sessions here in the Formula 1 live ticker!) only introduced track-specific adjustments or detailed improvements, Ferrari presented by far the most extensive development package of the weekend. The team has practically revised the entire aerodynamic chain from the front wing to the diffuser.
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The front wing is a further development of the wing used so far. The new version is intended to better smooth out air turbulence generated at the front axle and thus generate more downforce. At the same time, engineers gain greater leeway in tuning the vehicle.
Also new on the SF-26 is the nose construction: Ferrari has raised the underside of the nose so that more air can flow under the car. This is where the main part of the Barcelona update is located: the modified underbody. Ferrari has practically modified all surfaces up to the diffuser to generate more downforce and keep the airflow to the rear more stable. This should make the car more predictable.
In addition, Ferrari has also revised the shape of the sidepods and the rear area. The team explained: “This geometry was developed in conjunction with the underbody. It is intended to better control the air turbulence generated at the front axle and better balance the pressure distribution at the leading edge of the underbody.”
Which updates the other top teams are using
Apart from Ferrari, most teams in Barcelona were rather restrained with their development measures and focused on targeted detailed improvements.
McLaren brought a revised front wing endplate, which is intended to guide the airflow more cleanly around the car and thereby improve overall aerodynamic efficiency. Mercedes relied on small additional wings on the rear wing center section to generate a little more downforce on Barcelona’s high-downforce track.
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Red Bull revised the outer area of the front wing and additionally developed a more curved flap version to have more front axle downforce available if required.
Only detailed changes in the midfield
In the midfield, the focus was also on fine-tuning. Williams brought a rear wing with additional winglets and small extensions on the upper wing element for more downforce. Racing Bulls combined new Gurney flaps on the front wing with a revision of the diffuser to make the flow in the rear area more efficient.
Haas introduced an alternative rear impact structure, which is primarily intended to serve the tuning of the vehicle character. Cadillac added additional cooling slots to the sidepods and at the same time provided a revised rear wing configuration with lower drag.
No updates for Alpine, Aston Martin and Audi
Alpine, Aston Martin and Audi traveled to Barcelona without new components. The Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix is therefore not a big “update race”, because only Ferrari made really extensive changes to its Formula 1 car.
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