The majority of teams have introduced new parts as the development race really kicks into gear at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix.
Red Bull has a significant number of upgrades around the most performance-related areas of its car as it updates its sidepod inlet — further improving aerodynamic performance downstream — and the floor to increase load. There are also smaller inlet and exit ducts for the front brakes, with low temperatures in Suzuka.
There are no new parts at Mercedes, but Ferrari has brought a version of its 2023 rear wing to be able to adapt the load levels in the case of potential rain on Sunday, as well as a fairing update to the rear suspension that brings a small efficiency increase.
McLaren only has a similar front brake duct tweak to that at Red Bull, but Aston Martin has a wide range of developments that focus mainly on the floor. An evolution of the floor body is introduced in tandem with upgraded floor fences and a change to the floor edge that all improve the local load. The diffuser shape has also been modified to improve flow characteristics and load, while bodywork changes to the engine cover and beam wing all work in conjunction with the floor upgrade.
Aston’s upgrade is expected to be run by Lance Stroll on Friday, with Fernando Alonso set to receive the update on Saturday once a second set of new parts arrives in Japan.