All bar two Formula 1 teams have brought upgrade packages for the first of three consecutive grand prix weekends.
Three of the leading teams – McLaren, Red Bull and Ferrari – have brought revisions to the rear corners of their cars, where the championship leaders are thought to have a significant advantage.
McLaren dominated the last round in Miami as their rivals could not match their tyre management over the race distance in hot conditions. Their rivals’ attention has been drawn to how McLaren is managing the complex airflow in and around the rear wheel assemblies and brakes in order to prevent their tyres from overheating.
The team has brought a package of new parts in this area for Imola. These include new suspension components intended to improve the airflow and increase downforce.
The championship leaders haven’t focused their development work solely in this area. They also have a new rear wing and beam wing option for high downforce venues. Monaco, the next venue on the circuit, has one of the highest downforce demands of the season.
McLaren have also revealed a reliability concern regarding their front suspension. They intend to address this with a modification aimed at increasing the clearance between the members.
Red Bull have been a closer match for McLaren on single-lap pace and claimed pole position for the last two grands prix. They also have updates to the rear corner of their RB21, including new inlet and exit ducts which they say are designed to improve efficiency.
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free
Like McLaren, Red Bull have other new parts for Imola. These include a reshaped sidepod and radiator duct inlet and revisions to a rear suspension member. Coming just two weeks after they introduced a new floor on Max Verstappen’s car, there is clearly no let-up in Red Bull’s 2025 car development at this early stage in the season.
Ferrari have also changed the design of the scoops and winglets at the rear corner of their SF-25. It describes the revision as “small” but believes it will improve the load in this area. The team also has a new rear wing package, based on its 2024 design, which it only expects to use in low-grip conditions.
Mercedes’ updates are focused on the front of the car, where they have tweaked the suspension and wing elements to improve the airflow further downstream. They have also brought a revised engine cover for their W16.
Among the midfield teams, Haas have brought one of the more substantial packages, including a revised floor and rear corners. Racing Bulls also have changes to their car’s floor, while Alpine has brought updates for its front wing and engine cover. Williams and Sauber have left their cars unchanged.
Aston Martin, which was the slowest of all 10 teams in Miami, has the biggest update for this weekend’s race. The team has introduced extensive changes to its floor and diffuser, revised the shape of its engine cover, reduced the angle of its beam wing to improve efficiency and altered the fin on its Halo. These updates are the last changes Aston Martin has produced using the wind tunnel at Mercedes’ factory as it switches to using its new in-house facility.
Miss nothing from RaceFans
Get a daily email with all our latest stories – and nothing else. No marketing, no ads. Sign up here:
Advert | Become a RaceFans supporter and go ad-free
2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
Browse all 2025 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix articles
News
