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The Emilia Romagna Grand Prix marks the highly anticipated start of the European leg of the Formula 1 season, and with it comes a flurry of upgrades as teams look to gain a competitive edge. Strategically positioned before the Monaco Grand Prix – a circuit notoriously difficult for assessing new parts – this Imola race weekend sees all but two teams introducing developments to their cars. The consecutive nature of the next three race weekends provides a valuable opportunity to maximize the impact of these new components.
Key Upgrade Focus Areas Across the Grid
McLaren is making a significant push, concentrating its efforts on the rear corner and suspension of its car. Alongside these changes, the team has brought high downforce rear wing and beam wing options tailored for the Imola circuit. A minor modification to the front suspension is also being implemented, described as a reliability improvement.
Ferrari, racing on home turf, has opted for more subtle changes. The focus for the Scuderia is a revised scoop geometry and winglet arrangement on the rear corner, aiming to enhance local load. Similar to McLaren, Ferrari also has higher downforce rear and beam wing configurations available, components they state are carried over from their 2024 design philosophy.
Red Bull Racing continues its development trajectory, following a floor update in Miami with a comprehensive package for Imola. This includes a new sidepod shape and radiator duct inlet, along with a revised rear suspension fairing and modified wheel bodywork inlet and exit ducts.
Mercedes stands out among the top four teams, directing its upgrade efforts towards the front suspension. The team has updated all leg fairings and introduced new front wing elements, working in conjunction to improve airflow towards the rear of the car. Additionally, Mercedes has subtly tweaked its engine cover to enhance both load and cooling capabilities.
Aston Martin Leads with Extensive Modifications
Aston Martin has brought the most substantial upgrade package to Imola, addressing all aspects of its floor. Modifications to the floor body, edges, fences, and diffuser are designed to optimize the airflow underneath the car, thereby increasing downforce and overall performance. Complementing these floor changes is a revised engine cover shape, along with minor adaptations to the Halo and beam wing.
Alpine's upgrades are more focused, with a redesigned front wing aimed at generating local load gains and a reprofiled rearmost bodywork panel on the engine cover to improve airflow delivery to the rear.
Haas has also prioritized its floor, introducing a new floor body and associated changes to the floor edges to create cleaner airflow to the rear, which necessitates an upgraded diffuser. Furthermore, Haas has worked on its rear corner with new winglets, a revised brake drum face, and a reshaped lower rear suspension fairing.
Finally, Racing Bulls, located a stone's throw from the Imola circuit, has also focused on its floor with changes to the underfloor channels, floor fences, and edge. The team has also modified its sidepod undercut to promote high-energy flow towards the rear of the car and the floor edge wing, and has added a chassis winglet.
With the vast majority of the field introducing significant upgrades, the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix promises to be a fascinating weekend, offering the first real glimpse of the competitive order as the European season gets underway.