(Motorsport-Total.com) – The summer break is approaching, but some teams are still using the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix in Spa-Francorchamps (follow all sessions here in the Formula 1 live ticker!) for extensive development work.
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While Ferrari and Aston Martin completely forego new parts, Racing Bulls stands out with the largest upgrade package on the grid: The sister team of Red Bull brings four new components to Spa – and does not limit itself to a track-specific rear wing for low drag.
The focus is on a revised body around the sidepods and engine cover. According to the team, the new geometry is intended to guide the airflow more cleanly along the sides of the car. The package is complemented by a narrower air intake in the roll hoop (see title image). All of this is meant to improve the airflow to the rear wing, which has new profiles for Spa. Racing Bulls aims to generate downforce more efficiently with this.
Work was also done on the front axle: New components on the brake drums are intended to improve air management in the front area.
What is remarkable is the large scope of the package. Instead of merely adjusting drag for the Belgian Grand Prix, Racing Bulls intervenes in several aerodynamically important areas of the car. This indicates a regular development step that is likely to remain beyond the current race weekend.
No updates from Ferrari, but Mercedes steps up
Mercedes is also among the teams bringing more than just an adjusted rear wing. For Spa, the W17 receives a rear wing with less curvature of the upper wing elements to reduce drag on the long full-throttle sections.
At the same time, Mercedes optimized the winglets on the rear axle. The changes are intended to broaden the aerodynamic operating range of the vehicle. Additionally, a modified front wing endplate: Through a stronger curvature of the upper edge, the airflow along the car should be guided more efficiently to the rear.
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The other top teams only have minor updates: McLaren uses modified rear wing endplates and a rear wing for low drag in Spa. Red Bull limits itself to detail changes on the rear wing mount. Ferrari even traveled to Belgium completely without technical innovations.
Interesting floor update at Williams
In the midfield, Williams is one of the most interesting developers of the weekend. Besides Spa-typical adjustments, the main focus is on the new main profile of the floor. This enlarges the central area of the diffuser. The goal is more stable aerodynamics over the entire operating range of the car.
Floor updates are among the most effective development measures of modern Formula 1 cars and generally have significantly more potential than pure rear wing adjustments.
The Spa package from Haas appears similarly extensive: The US team has revised front wing, endplates, and airflow elements on the front axle. The new profiles are intended to increase local downforce without impairing aerodynamic efficiency. The package pursues a clear approach: more flexibility in setup and a better balance between front and rear axle.
Small progress at Audi, Alpine, and Cadillac
Audi combines a track-specific rear wing with a small development on the diffuser. Alpine focuses exclusively on the cockpit protection Halo, whose new fairing with an additional winglet is intended to improve the flow to the rear. Cadillac works on the front wing endplates and expects better airflow to the floor as a result.
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