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F1 Tech Updates for Chinese GP 2024

Published on 2024-04-18

The Chinese Grand Prix promises a strategic showdown as Alpine and Haas bring forward their development packages, aiming to shake up the midfield battle. Here's a closer look at the key upgrades hitting the track.

Alpine Fast Tracks Floor Upgrade for Recovery Push

Struggling Alpine, currently at the bottom of the Constructors' Championship, throws caution to the wind by introducing a significant floor upgrade originally planned for Miami. This revised floor features heavily redesigned front fences, promising a substantial increase in downforce generation. Additionally, modifications to the floor edge and diffuser aim to optimize airflow management around the rear tires, further enhancing car performance.

Haas Debuts Comprehensive Upgrade Package

Haas isn't holding back either, bringing a comprehensive upgrade package targeting various areas of the car. The focus lies on a new floor with revised fences and edges, aiming to boost downforce and improve overall drivability. Aerodynamic efficiency gains come courtesy of a redesigned engine cover featuring a slimmer central exit and larger cooling louvers. Minor tweaks to the mirror housing and rear corner complete the upgrade package.

Limited Updates for the Rest of the Grid

While Alpine and Haas aggressively push development, the rest of the grid takes a more cautious approach. Mercedes and Williams introduce minor adjustments to the halo fairing, aiming to improve airflow towards the rear wing. Mercedes opts for additional flicks, while Williams revises the geometry. Red Bull makes a subtle change by reshaping the headrest area behind the driver for better downstream airflow.

The remaining five teams forego upgrades this weekend, likely due to the unique challenge of the Shanghai circuit (last visited in 2019) and the condensed practice schedule with the Sprint format. This strategic decision could leave them vulnerable to the performance gains of Alpine and Haas, making the Chinese Grand Prix a fascinating battleground for early upgrades.

Upgrades in Details

Mercedes

  • Halo (Performance – Flow Conditioning)

Alpine

  • Floor Body (Performance – Flow Conditioning)
  • Floor Fences (Performance – Local Load)
  • Floor Edge (Performance – Flow Conditioning)

Williams

  • Halo (Performance – Flow Conditioning)

RB

  • Headrest (Performance – Flow Conditioning)

Haas

  • Floor Fences (Performance – Flow Conditioning)
  • Floor Edge (Performance – Local Load)
  • Coke/Engine Cover (Performance – Drag Reduction)
  • Rear Corner (Performance – Flow Conditioning)
  • Mirror (Performance – Flow Conditioning)

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