Tech F1i: Ferrari unleashes ambitious floor design

As Formula 1 returns to Europe this weekend for the Austrian Grand Prix, six of the ten teams have introduced upgrades to their cars, aiming to gain a competitive edge in the tightly contested 2025 season.

The picturesque Spielberg circuit, known for its short lap and high-speed straights, demands aerodynamic efficiency and precise handling, prompting teams to fine-tune their machines. With the championship battle heating up, these upgrades could prove pivotal in shaping the pecking order.

The top four teams in the Constructors’ Championship – McLaren, Ferrari, Red Bull, and Mercedes – have all rolled out changes, each targeting specific performance gains.

Meanwhile, midfield contenders Racing Bulls and Sauber have also joined the upgrade frenzy, hoping to close the gap to the leaders.

However, Aston Martin, Alpine, Haas, and Williams have opted to stick with their existing packages, banking on setup optimization to maximize performance.

Top Teams’ Technical Tweaks

Ferrari heads into the Austrian weekend with arguably the most significant upgrade of any team. The Scuderia has introduced a heavily revised floor to address the persistent ride-height sensitivity that has hampered performance in recent races.

The changes involve a redistribution of the front floor fence profiles, which are now re-cambered to release stronger vorticity further downstream. In addition, the team has reshaped the floor’s central ‘boat’ area and re-optimized the tunnel expansions in pursuit of more consistent aerodynamic load across the car’s operating envelope.

The shorter and re-cambered front floor edge wing has been modified to work in harmony with these changes, while a redesigned diffuser volume is expected to deliver improved aerodynamic load distribution.

Ferrari insists that this package is not tailored specifically for Austria but rather represents a broader attempt to stabilise their car’s performance over a wider range of circuits.

Though Lewis Hamilton had recently cautioned that the floor changes might not deliver immediate results, the team remains hopeful that this direction will address key weaknesses in the SF-25.

McLaren and Mercedes Continue Their Push

McLaren, looking to extend its lead at the top of the Constructors' standings, has brought a trio of performance-driven updates to Austria.

The front suspension has been reworked to improve flow conditioning, with aerodynamic gains expected as a result. Complementing this is a revision to the aerodynamic components on the front corner of the car, designed to maximise the benefit from the suspension changes.

At the rear, an alternative suspension geometry has necessitated updates to the surrounding aerodynamic surfaces to preserve aerodynamic performance and maintain necessary clearances.

Mercedes has taken a more event-specific approach, introducing two changes designed to manage the cooling demands of the Red Bull Ring.

A larger brake duct inlet has been added to assist with brake temperature management, while the engine cover now features a larger rear bodywork exit to improve heat dissipation. These changes follow the team’s morale-boosting win and double podium in Canada, as George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli continue their push in the standings.

Red Bull Makes Subtle Floor Adjustment at Home Race

Red Bull, racing on home turf, has introduced a single but targeted update to its RB20. The team has revised the floor edge of the car in an effort to improve the load generated in that region and maintain overall flow stability.

Though not as dramatic as some of their rivals' changes, Red Bull’s approach underscores their confidence in the base package while still aiming to eke out performance in key aerodynamic zones.

Midfield Shifts: Sauber and Racing Bulls Refine Aero

Sauber, buoyed by two consecutive points finishes, continues its upward trajectory with a comprehensive set of upgrades.

The team has modified the outboard section of the floor, introduced a new diffuser, and installed a redesigned rear wing assembly. These changes are intended to improve both the aerodynamic balance and the drag efficiency of the car as Sauber looks to solidify its place in the points.

Racing Bulls has also brought updates to Spielberg, refining both its front wing flaps and rear wing profiles.

The intention behind these changes is to optimise airflow and reduce drag, especially important at a circuit like Austria where top-end speed and DRS effectiveness can make a crucial difference in both qualifying and race performance.

With Ferrari aiming to stop the bleeding, McLaren pushing the limits, and Red Bull quietly fine-tuning, this weekend in Austria could mark a turning point in the ever-tightening battle at the front – or see the midfield shaken up yet again.

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