Tech F1i: McLaren brings all-new rear wing assembly to Monza

As Formula 1 descends on the historic Monza circuit, F1 teams have unveiled a suite of aerodynamic tweaks tailored for the Italian Grand Prix’s ultra-fast layout.

However, while some outfits have brought brand-new components, others are relying on proven packages from past races.

From McLaren’s all-new rear wing to Red Bull’s subtle floor tweaks, here’s our rundown of the changes introduced for this weekend’s event, aimed at slicing through the air and chasing glory in front of the passionate tifosi.

McLaren Leads the Way with All-New Assembly

McLaren has gone further than most with an aggressive update package. The team has produced a new rear wing assembly featuring a shallower mainplane and a short-chord flap designed to cut drag to a minimum. A reworked beam wing and a trimmed-back upper element on the front wing complement the changes.

The Woking outfit has also turned its attention to the car’s front suspension, introducing new fairings aimed at reducing drag even further – a detail-focused approach that underscores its intent to stay competitive in the battle for podiums.

Ferrari has introduced a revised front wing flap to balance its Monza set-up, though the Scuderia is also leaning on its tried-and-tested 2024 low-downforce package. That same specification helped Charles Leclerc to victory on home soil last year, and Ferrari is clearly confident it still has merit under the current regulations.

Red Bull and Mercedes Keep It Conservative

Red Bull has elected not to build a new rear wing, instead deploying a lower-downforce option already in its development pool. To fine-tune balance, the team has shortened its third and fourth front wing elements, while also making “subtle” tweaks to the floor body, edges, and fences to claw back some load.

Mercedes has taken a similar approach, introducing a floor fence update designed to extract more performance from the car’s diffuser and floor edges. The team has also declared minor revisions to the tips of its rear wing and a trimmed-back front wing to complete its Monza-specific trim.

Both Aston Martin and Racing Bulls have opted for fresh rear wing flaps tailored to Monza’s demands. The Racing Bulls’ package is more extensive, however, with the VCARB 02 receiving updated floor components, revised sidepods, and even a new mirror housing. This suite of changes suggests Faenza is rolling out one of its final major updates of the year.

Haas, Williams Stick to Basics; Alpine and Sauber Quiet

Haas and Williams have brought straightforward trimmed versions of their front and rear wings to reduce drag.

By contrast, Alpine and Sauber have not declared any new components, suggesting both will run with previously developed low-downforce parts already in their armoury.

With the majority of the grid prioritising rear wing efficiency, Monza is set to highlight which team has mastered the delicate trade-off between raw speed on the straights and the downforce still required through the circuit’s heavy braking zones and fast corners.

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