Technical updates: 2025 Austrian GP

The top four Formula 1 teams have all brought upgrades to the Austrian Grand Prix as the battle to try and catch McLaren continues.

McLaren has introduced an update to its front suspension – modifying the fairings to improve flow conditioning and aerodynamic performance – as well as adapting the aerodynamic devices on the front corner. There’s also a revision to the rear corner, with the team saying it has “an alternative rear suspension geometry which requires a revision of rear corner aerodynamic surfaces to maintain clearances as well as aerodynamic performance.”

The new parts from McLaren are brought to the Red Bull Ring at a time that its main rivals also have updates, with Ferrari looking for gains from the most crucial aspect of the current cars. A new floor has been developed that includes changes to the floor fences, body, edge and diffuser.

“This floor package features updated front floor fences targeting an enhanced vorticity released downstream,” Ferrari explains. “The reshaped boat and tunnel expansion have been subsequently re-optimized, together with the floor edge loading and diffuser volume distribution, leading to an overall load gain across the car operating envelope.”

Red Bull also has an upgrade to its floor, although the team only lists the floor edge as having been modified for this weekend. The focus of the update is to maintain flow stability and extract more load, with the intent of providing more consistent downforce and improved car handling.

Mercedes’ changes are listed as circuit-specific, with enlarged front brake ducts and bodywork exits on the engine cover to handle the cooling demands of the Austrian circuit. The Red Bull Ring is the track located at the third-highest altitude on the calendar, and coupled with high temperatures this weekend it can pose a significant challenge given how crucial braking performance is.

There are two new items introduced at Racing Bulls, where an updated front wing flap is designed to improve local flow conditioning and help increase aerodynamic performance across a range of conditions. There is also a circuit-specific rear wing, with the upper element changed to provide a better balance of downforce and efficiency in Austria.

The only other team with an update is one that has made significant strides in recent weeks, with Sauber again developing its floor. Tweaks to the mid-floor area, floor edge and diffuser are designed to deliver an efficient increase in downforce, while a higher-downforce rear wing configuration has been designed.