Tech F1i: Teams unveil targeted upgrades for high-speed Jeddah

As the third instalment of F1’s first triple header of the 2025 season, the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit has prompted Formula 1 teams to introduce a range of mostly circuit-specific upgrades, each designed to optimize performance on the high-speed, low-downforce track.

Each team’s changes reflect a strategic approach to mastering Jeddah’s high-speed challenges, balancing aerodynamic efficiency, downforce, and stability to secure competitive performance this weekend.

Below is a comprehensive overview of the technical updates brought by McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, Aston Martin, Haas, Racing Bulls, and Sauber, showcasing their strategies to tackle the demanding layout.

McLaren has refined the MCL39 to enhance aerodynamic performance. A reshaped diffuser optimizes flow conditioning, boosting overall efficiency.

The rear corner now features a revised Rear Brake Duct Winglet arrangement, improving the local flowfield to enhance aerodynamic efficiency. These changes aim to maximize downforce and efficiency, ensuring the MCL39 is well-suited to Jeddah’s high-speed demands.

Ferrari’s SF-25 updates focus on aerodynamic efficiency tailored for Jeddah. The rear wing sports a decambered, shorter-chord top flap, allowing finer downforce adjustments for the track’s high-speed nature.

A carried-over offloaded top rear wing and lower beam wing from last year’s low/medium downforce races, paired with a single-element, offloaded lower beam wing, provide flexible downforce reduction options. These modifications ensure the SF-25 balances speed and stability on Jeddah’s unique layout.

Red Bull’s RB21 update targets thermal management for Jeddah’s high ambient temperatures. The coke/engine cover now features an enlarged central exit to enhance heat rejection, improving cooling efficiency.

This ensures the power unit operates optimally, maintaining reliability and performance. By prioritizing thermal efficiency, Red Bull aims to maximize the RB21’s aerodynamic and mechanical performance on the demanding track.

Aston Martin’s AMR25 features a circuit-specific update to suit Jeddah’s high-speed layout. The rear wing now integrates a less aggressive flap within an existing assembly, reducing aerodynamic load and drag. This aligns with the team’s strategy to prioritize lower downforce for enhanced straight-line speed. The update improves aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring the AMR25 remains competitive on Jeddah’s fast, flowing circuit while maintaining stability.

Haas has optimized the VF-25 with circuit-specific updates for Jeddah. The team employs two carry-over rear wing assemblies from the VF-24, both with decambered profiles and raised elements to reduce drag and aerodynamic load.

These modifications enhance straight-line speed and efficiency, aligning with the track’s low-downforce demands. The updates aim to improve performance on Jeddah’s long straights while ensuring sufficient stability.

Racing Bulls’ VCARB 02 updates are tailored for Jeddah’s high-speed circuit. The front wing features a reduced chord length on the flap, lowering load to balance with the low rear wing levels. The rear wing has decambered upper elements with raised leading edges, efficiently reducing drag and downforce.

The beam wing’s lower element, with reduced chord and incidence, further minimizes drag. These changes enhance aerodynamic efficiency, ensuring the VCARB 02 excels on Jeddah’s straights.

Sauber’s C45 boasts a comprehensive update package for Jeddah. A circuit-specific front wing with a smaller flap reduces load, balancing with a low-drag rear wing assembly. The rear wing, designed for low drag, features a main plane combinable with various flaps for fine-tuned load and drag levels. A new beam wing and rear wing endplate enhance efficiency at lower downforce settings.

Additionally, central floor geometry changes improve flow around the rear floor, delivering efficient downforce gains. These updates optimize the C45’s speed and stability, ensuring precise balance for Jeddah’s demands.

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