Technical updates: 2024 Belgian Grand Prix
A fresh upgrade package from Mercedes headlines developments being introduced ahead of the summer break at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Looking to continue its recent momentum that has led to it winning two of the past three races -- and score podiums on five consecutive weekends -- Mercedes has a new diffuser and floor edge that both include an increase in downforce, while an updated beam wing and halo reduces drag, and a tweak to the front wing is designed to balance the car in a lower-downforce configuration.
Ferrari similarly has a lower-downforce rear wing that comes with a front wing change for balance reasons, while McLaren’s circuit-specific rear wing and beam wing tweaks are paired with updated rear brake ducts. At Haas and RB there are the same rear wing and beam wing developments, but the latter also has changes to the winglets on the rear corner.
Alpine follows Mercedes in introducing an upgrade package, with a new front wing, engine cover, beam wing, rear wing, rear brake duct and mirror design. The new parts are a combination of low-downforce configurations and overall development to improve airflow.
The other team to deliver new parts this weekend is Stake. The Sauber-run team has developed new floor fences to increase local load, as well as front and rear wings. A more efficient beam wing has also been introduced, and changes to the geometry of the mirrors is designed to improve flow quality to the rear end of the car.
Red Bull, Aston Martin and Williams are the only teams not to submit any updates at Spa-Francorchamps, with Red Bull expected to revert to its Silverstone specification of car as its Hungary upgrade is designed specifically for high-downforce venues.
Chris Medland
While studying Sports Journalism at the University of Central Lancashire, Chris managed to talk his way into working at the British Grand Prix in 2008 and was retained for three years before joining ESPN F1 as Assistant Editor. After three further years at ESPN, a spell as F1 Editor at Crash Media Group was followed by the major task of launching F1i.com’s English-language website and running it as Editor. Present at every race since the start of 2014, he has continued building his freelance portfolio, working with international titles. As well as writing for RACER, his broadcast work includes television appearances on F1 TV and as a presenter and reporter on North America's live radio coverage on SiriusXM.
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