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Focus on Red Bull Sidepod and Floor Body

F1 Tech Updates for Japanese GP 2024

Published on 2024-04-04

The development race in Formula 1 intensifies as teams unveil a flurry of upgrades for this weekend's Japanese Grand Prix. Here's a breakdown of the key changes across the grid.

Red Bull Aims for Aerodynamic Supremacy

Red Bull leads the charge with significant upgrades targeting performance-critical areas. Their revised sidepod inlet improves downstream aerodynamics, while the updated floor promises increased downforce generation. Additionally, the team introduces smaller front brake ducts to address Suzuka's cooler temperatures.

Strategic Tweaks for Mercedes and Ferrari

Mercedes opts to hold off on introducing new parts this weekend. However, Ferrari brings a 2023-spec rear wing for potential rain adaptation and a rear suspension fairing update for a slight efficiency boost.

McLaren and Aston Martin Take Divergent Paths

McLaren adopts a similar front brake duct modification as Red Bull, while Aston Martin unveils a comprehensive floor upgrade package. Their revised floor body, fences, and edge enhance localized downforce. Additionally, an altered diffuser shape improves flow characteristics, while changes to the engine cover and beam wing complement the floor improvements. Aston plans a staggered rollout, with Lance Stroll receiving the update on Friday and Fernando Alonso getting it on Saturday with the arrival of a second parts shipment.

Alpine and Williams Prioritize Performance

Alpine focuses on reducing drag with a new front wing design, accompanied by modified front brake ducts. They also introduce an updated beam wing for increased downforce transfer to the floor. Williams, lacking a spare chassis, nonetheless brings some upgrades. Their revised front wing endplate alters overall downforce and its distribution. Additionally, they introduce circuit-specific rear wing and beam wing options to reduce downforce and drag at Suzuka.

Development Stalemate for Haas

Haas joins Mercedes in sitting out upgrades this weekend. They plan to introduce their first updates at the next round in China.

Upgrades in details

Red Bull Racing

  • Sidepod Inlet (Performance – Local Load)
  • Floor Body (Performance – Local Load)
  • Floor Edge (Performance – Local Load)
  • Front Corner (Circuit specific – Cooling Range)

Ferrari

  • Rear Wing (Circuit specific – Drag Range)
  • Rear Suspension (Performance – Flow Conditioning)

Alpine

  • Front Wing (Performance – Drag Reduction)
  • Front Corner (Performance – Flow Conditioning)
  • Beam Wing (Performance – Local Load)

Williams

  • Front Wing Endplate (Performance – Flow Conditioning)
  • Rear Wing (Circuit specific – Drag Range)
  • Beam Wing (Circuit specific – Drag Range)

RB

  • Floor Body (Performance – Local Load)
  • Floor Edge (Performance – Local Load)

Kick Sauber

  • Floor Body (Performance – Flow Conditioning)

Aston Martin

  • Floor Body (Performance – Local Load)
  • Floor Fences (Performance – Local Load)
  • Floor Edge (Performance – Local Load)
  • Diffuser (Performance – Local Load)
  • Coke/Engine Cover (Performance – Local Load)
  • Beam Wing (Performance – Local Load)

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