McLaren the only F1 team without updates for Spanish GP

F1

McLaren is not bringing any updates to Barcelona, having already tested its more rigid front wing at Imola

McLaren garage at the Monaco GP

McLaren had already tested its new front wing

Getty Images

Author

Pablo Elizalde

McLaren is the only Formula 1 team which hasn’t introduced any updates for the Spanish Grand Prix despite the new flexi-wing regulations.

The car presentation submission documents released by the FIA on Friday confirmed that the other nine teams are bringing new parts – mostly modified front wings – for the Barcelona event.

McLaren, tipped to be one of the teams most affected by the stricter rules introduced in Spain, had already tested its new front wing design in practice for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.

Lando Norris sampled the new specification during practice at Imola, the team optimistic that its performance won’t be impacted significantly.

Ferrari, Red Bull, Aston Martin, Haas, Racing Bulls, Williams and Sauber have introduced revised front wings, according to the FIA’s documents.

Mercedes and Alpine have also brought new parts, but not a new rear wing, suggesting they had already tested their new designs earlier ahead of the Spanish GP clampdown.

Below is a table summarising the car presentation updates for each team.

Team Updated Component Primary Reason for Update Geometric Differences Compared to Previous Version Brief Description of How the Update Works
McLaren – – – No updates submitted for this event.
Ferrari Front Wing Performance Local Load Update of chordwise and spanwise loading distribution, revised endplate and tip rolls Not track specific; phased with update of articles 3.15.4 and 3.15.5, effective from Spanish GP onwards.
Ferrari Rear Wing Circuit specific Drag Range Redesign of the outboard tip and roll on high downforce rear wing Local update improves flow features and load efficiency.
Red Bull Racing Front Wing Performance Local Load First and second elements revised; flap elements and tips consequential Revised geometry for 2025 regulations, gaining stiffness and optimizing load characteristics.
Mercedes Floor Edge Performance – Local Load Increased chord floor edge wing with additional vanes Additional vanes and chord increase mass flow, increasing vorticity and floor load.
Mercedes Floor Fences Performance – Flow Conditioning Reprofiled inboard fence Improved pressure distribution and vorticity position, enhancing load.
Mercedes Rear Wing Performance – Local Load Reprofiled mainplane and flap elements Circuit-specific rear wing with increased camber for more downforce and drag.
Aston Martin Front Wing Performance Local Load Revised tip detail and main wing sections Improved outboard flowfield and load; changes for structural compliance.
Alpine Floor Fences Performance Local Load Reprofiled floor fences Optimized for improved underfloor flow and local load.
Alpine Floor Body Performance Local Load Local changes to floor shape Subtle modifications maximize fence effect and flowfield quality.
Haas Front Wing Performance Mechanical Setup Updated front wing construction New construction to comply with updated flap deflection regulations (from April 7, effective May 28).
Racing Bulls Front Wing Performance Flow Conditioning New mainplane elements, lower central section Centre section loaded further; addresses increased stiffness requirements.
Racing Bulls Front Wing Endplate Performance Flow Conditioning Updated connection between tips and endplate Reduces losses from three-dimensional flow around tips.
Racing Bulls Nose Performance Flow Conditioning Raised lower surface, lowered tip Increases load from centre section, modifies downstream flow.
Williams Front Wing Performance Flow Conditioning Updated assembly for new deflection regulations, rear flap and endplate revised Reduces deflection, alters flow pattern and performance of brake duct and floor.
Williams Rear Corner Circuit specific Cooling Range Revised exit geometry for rear brake duct Changes flow rate and brake cooling for Barcelona.
Williams Cooling Louvres Circuit specific Cooling Range New optional louvre panel with maximum large louvres Increases radiator flow and PU cooling, at cost of downforce and drag.
Sauber Floor Body Performance Local Load Changes to floor fence, outboard edge, and diffuser Improves underfloor flowfield for balanced downforce.
Sauber Coke/Engine Cover Performance Local Load Changes to engine cover design Updates sidepod surfaces to adapt to new floor, modifying top surface flow.
Sauber Front Wing Performance Local Load Small change to transition between mainplane and endplate Improves outboard front wing performance and downstream flow quality.

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