Tech F1i: A look at the F1 teams' array of upgrades at Zandvoort

Formula 1 returns from its summer break with the competitive order still finely poised, and the Dutch Grand Prix will offer the teams their first opportunity to assess the latest developments under race conditions.

However, with Zandvoort hosting a Sprint weekend, there was little time for experimentation in Friday’s single practice session.

The upgrade list is relatively restrained compared with some of the larger packages seen earlier in the campaign. Several leading teams have nevertheless made targeted aerodynamic changes, while Alpine and Aston Martin are among those pursuing more substantial revisions as they attempt to reverse their fortunes.

With the championship battle entering its crucial second phase, every aerodynamic gain could prove valuable. Here is the team-by-team picture from Zandvoort.

Mercedes have opted for a single modification, focused on the front corner. The team has removed the drum front lip from the duct inlet and altered its camber, with the changes designed to improve airflow towards the rear of the car.

Ferrari have brought a multi-part package aimed at generating additional local aerodynamic load. Changes to the floor body, floor board and floor edge are intended to make the underlying flow structures more robust while increasing the energy directed towards the rear diffuser.

The diffuser itself has also been revised, with its expansion and geometry adjusted to produce more aerodynamic load. A small change has additionally been made to the lower beam wing.

McLaren are among the busiest of the front-running teams, introducing a new rear wing assembly alongside revised central bodywork. The two changes are designed to work together to unlock additional aerodynamic performance.

The reigning constructors' champions have also revised the rear brake duct, targeting gains in both aerodynamic efficiency and brake cooling.

Red Bull's package is considerably more modest. The team has shortened the cord length of its wishbone shroud, a change primarily intended to address reliability and reduce stress on the component at high steering angles.

There are no upgrades for Racing Bulls at Zandvoort. The team has also undergone a driver reshuffle for the weekend, with Yuki Tsunoda replacing Liam Lawson after Lawson was promoted to Red Bull to stand in for the injured Isack Hadjar.

Alpine have gone in the opposite direction, arriving with one of the weekend's most extensive packages after slipping behind Racing Bulls in the constructors' standings.

The new developments include a redesigned floor and floor edges, a reprofiled diffuser, revised rear drum-face elements, an updated rear impact structure and new rear-wing flap geometry. Changes to the floor board and sidepod are also aimed at improving the quality of airflow reaching the rear of the car without compromising cooling.

The package was completed in a hurry, meaning only Pierre Gasly will have the full upgrade specification this weekend.

Haas have not listed any upgrades for the Dutch Grand Prix.

Audi have also chosen to hold fire at Zandvoort. The decision comes after a promising run before the summer break, which culminated in Nico Hulkenberg scoring his first points of the season in Hungary.

Williams will similarly run without a confirmed upgrade this weekend. The Grove outfit is instead understood to be preparing a significant package for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

Aston Martin are following up their encouraging Hungarian Grand Prix developments with another set of changes, this time designed to complement Honda's latest power-unit specification.

Three elements of the front wing have been modified to increase local aerodynamic performance, while the team also has the option of a revised front-wing flap offering a wider range of aerodynamic balance.

At the rear, changes to the diffuser floor fence and the lower edge of the diffuser winglet are intended to work together to increase rear load.

• Read also: McLaren unleash another MCL40 upgrade blitz at Dutch GP

Cadillac have opted against introducing upgrades at a significant moment for the new team, with Marcin Budkowski taking charge of his first race weekend as team principal.

The American outfit will therefore focus on extracting the maximum from its existing package as the Dutch Grand Prix marks the start of another important phase of its maiden F1 campaign.

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