As the fight to capture McLaren continues, all top four Formula 1 teams have upgraded the Austrian Grand Prix.
McLaren has introduced a front suspension update – not only modifying fairings to improve flow conditioning and aerodynamic performance, but also adapting aerodynamic devices to the front corners. The team has also revised the rear corner, saying there is “alternative rear suspension geometry that requires revisions to the rear corner aerodynamic surface to maintain clearance and aerodynamic performance.”
New McLaren parts have also been updated with its major rivals, and are brought to the Red Bull Ring as Ferrari is looking for benefits from the most important aspects of the current car. A new floor has been developed, including changes to the floor fence, body, edges and diffuser.
“This floor package has a modern floor floor fence targeting the enhanced vorticity released downstream,” explains Ferrari. “The subsequent reshaped boat and tunnel expansion, along with floor edge loading and diffuser volume distribution, was then reoptimized, leading to overall load gain across the envelope of car operation.”
Red Bull also has floor upgrades, but the team lists Floor Edge as being changed this weekend. The focus of the update is to maintain flow stability and extract more loads with the aim of providing more consistent downforce and improved automotive handling.
Mercedes changes are listed as circuit-specific and there is an expansion of front brake ducts and bodywork on the engine cover to handle cooling demands for the Austrian circuit. The Red Bull Ring is the third highest altitude track on the calendar, and, coupled with the high temperatures this weekend, can pose a critical challenge given how important brake performance is.
Racing Bulls introduces two new items, with the updated front wing flap being designed to improve local flow conditioning and improve aerodynamic performance in a variety of conditions. There is also a circuit-specific rear wing, with the upper elements being modified to improve the balance between downforce and efficiency in Austria.
The only other team with the update is one that has made great strides in recent weeks, and Sauber has once again developed the floor. Fine adjustments to the central floor area, floor edges and diffusers are designed to provide an efficient increase in downforce, but high downforce rear wing configurations are designed.
