The Italian Grand Prix has already completed its first weekend sessions. With one of the most important circuits in terms of speed, the result of Sunday’s race is likely to see a new winner. While it is an opportunity for some teams to catch up, it is also a way to make a mark in this second part of the season. The fourteenth round of the year is shaping up to be crucial for the Formula 1 championship.
For the occasion, the teams are arriving at Monza with new improvements in order to gain an advantage. Between the changes to aerodynamic parts and the improvement of downforce, this weekend will showcase the latest technologies.
As the sessions progress, changes in performance and improvements will decrease. Teams like Ferrari and McLaren are betting big on one of their last sets before the final stretch, while Red Bull and Mercedes are sticking with their car.
McLaren still making progress.
Second in the constructors’ championship, McLaren has a lot to play for this weekend. If the team achieves extraordinary performances against Red Bull, it could well take the lead in the constructors’ standings. Nevertheless, the improvements are nothing like the « package » that the team brought to Zandvoort. While the majority of the modifications took place last week, the team still arrives with a few parts in Monza. For this weekend, the team has added a new engine cover, designed to improve aerodynamic performance at the rear of the MCL38. In addition, specific front wing elements for the circuit and the replacement of the rear wings with others that they had already used earlier in the season. With a victory last week thanks to Lando Norris, McLaren is focusing on safety in Italy.
Everything changes with Ferrari for the home race.
Ferrari is the team making the most significant changes this weekend. If Ferrari is playing at home, it hopes above all to get back on the podium. Frédéric Vasseur, team principal of Ferrari, had already announced at Zandvoort that changes would take place at the next Grand Prix. In addition to the team’s completely carbon look, the SF-24 comes with a new engine cover, a new floor, and a new diffuser. These few changes will help minimize airflow losses on the car.
Just like McLaren, the Italian team will use front wings reserved for the Monza circuit. Specific rear wings for the Italian Grand Prix will also be added. These two elements will be tasked with optimizing performance on straight lines and fast corners of the single-seater. If fans thought the team would stop there, a new nose will be unveiled last. It should improve the overall aerodynamic flow on the Ferrari.
Red Bull and Mercedes are more cautious
As Ferrari and McLaren unveil some changes to their vehicle, Red Bull and Mercedes are adopting a more simplistic approach this weekend. Both teams have opted for different aerodynamic components, without introducing any other improvements. They are not the only ones, as this is also the case for Aston Martin, Alpine, and Williams. Red Bull has chosen to use aerodynamic components prepared only for Monza, while Mercedes aims to focus on reducing drag by only replacing its rear wings.
Racing Bulls and Stake F1 are making some changes
In the middle of the grid, Racing Bulls is one of the best ranked teams. The Red Bull junior team will stand out this week with as many changes as the SF-24. Racing Bulls is getting a new floor, designed to improve downforce and reduce aerodynamic losses. The team also modified the shape of its halo to optimize airflow and is introducing the same specific changes as other teams.
Stake F1, on the other hand, is still struggling. Currently at the bottom of the constructors’ standings, it is coming back with a new floor and a redesigned front section. If it’s mainly a matter of load on the single-seater, it’s also a way to maintain a clean airflow towards the rear of the car. A new diffuser has also been installed to increase the energy inside. To improve the balance and drag, Stake F1 is arriving with front and rear wings that it will only keep for Monza.
A minor change for Haas
Haas also hopes to make progress towards the end of the season. As team principal Ayao Komatsu had announced, few changes will arrive on the Haas due to their financial problems. Nevertheless, the car has a refreshed front suspension. The VF-24 is now equipped with a redesigned lower wishbone and pushrod to better harmonize with the airflow. Although the American team only bet on a change of front wing at Monza, they still hope to score some points.
