Ferrari, McLaren and Red Bull among the teams bringing new products to Jeddah

For the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, seven teams have introduced technical developments, adapting their cars to the specifics of the Jeddah urban circuit. These developments are primarily focused on reducing aerodynamic drag and the overall balance of the cars.

Ferrari continues its work started in Bahrain

A week after unveiling a significant package focused on the floor at Sakhir, Ferrari continues its developments in Jeddah with modifications aimed at reducing drag. The Italian team has brought several rear wing variants: an upper element with reduced camber and shortened chord, accompanied by a lower wing (beam wing) with a single, less-loaded element. Seen last year on tracks with moderate downforce, these elements offer the Scuderia several possible configurations, depending on the track’s constraints and the drivers’ preferences.

McLaren refines the aero

McLaren has focused its efforts on optimizing aerodynamic flows. The diffuser has been redesigned to improve air extraction and increase the overall efficiency of the car. The rear brake ducts have also been revised, with modified fins to better channel air around the tires, a subtle yet necessary adjustment on a track where quick sequences demand maximum stability.

Red Bull: priority to reliability and aerodynamic balance

Red Bull Racing adopted a cautious technical strategy, with only two upgrades to its RB21. The first concerns the engine cover, now equipped with an enlarged central outlet to optimize cooling in the expected heat of Saudi Arabia. The second involves the beam wing, with reduced chord and camber to limit downforce and better meet the circuit’s lift-to-drag ratio requirements. A measured approach, true to the quest for an optimal balance between performance and reliability.

Aston Martin adjusts its rear wing

Aston Martin has introduced a targeted evolution to the rear of its single-seater, with a wing featuring a less aggressive profile than the previous version. The objective: to reduce drag on the long straights of the Jeddah circuit, without compromising aerodynamic balance in the fast sections. This adaptation is part of the team’s usual development strategy, aiming to offer specific configurations according to the characteristics of each track.

Haas adjusts the aerodynamic balance of the VF-24

Haas has bet on a measured approach, adjusting only the front wing and rear wing. At the rear, the team has brought out known specifications of the VF-24, with a decambered profile wing designed to reduce drag and aerodynamic load. To preserve the overall balance of the car with this reduced downforce, the front wing flap has also been revised, with a less pronounced profile. A technical choice reflecting a desire for stability and control, more than the pursuit of raw performance.

Racing Bulls focuses on aerodynamic efficiency

The Racing Bulls have introduced notable evolutions on the front and rear wings, as well as the connecting wing, with a clear focus on reducing drag. At the front, the wing’s chord has been shortened to limit the generated load. At the rear, the elements have been de-cambered to optimize flow and reduce air resistance. The connecting wing has also been modified, with a reduced incidence to improve the overall efficiency of the package. Adjustments that meet the demands of the Saudi circuit, where the pursuit of top speed is essential.

Sauber: a package focused on low-downforce efficiency

Sauber has introduced no fewer than five technical evolutions, aiming to optimize the aerodynamics of its car in low-downforce conditions. Among the notable changes: a new geometry for the floor, along with adjustments to the link wing and rear wing. The floor has been redesigned to improve airflow management at the rear of the car, while the rear aerodynamic elements have been adapted to work better in a low-downforce environment. Additionally, the front wing has been modified to restore the overall balance of the package. The aim is to increase the car’s efficiency on a fast and demanding track like Jeddah.

New developments on the engine front

In parallel with the aerodynamic developments, several drivers received new power unit elements during this fifth round of the 2025 season. Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull), Pierre Gasly (Alpine), as well as Racing Bulls drivers Isack Hadjar and Liam Lawson, all received a new internal combustion engine (ICE), a new turbocharger (TC), and a new MGU-H. These replacements, carried out within the regulatory quota stipulated in article 28.2 of the technical regulations, aim to prevent potential reliability issues on a demanding track like Jeddah, while preserving components for the rest of the championship.

Also worth noting: Esteban Ocon (Haas) has opted for a new exhaust system, while Verstappen and Tsunoda are changing this element for the second time this season, a common strategy at this stage of the season, and particularly relevant on a circuit as fast as this one.