Nine teams bring changes to Monaco, McLaren in the lead

Nine out of ten teams have decided to make technical changes for the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. Only Mercedes is an exception, maintaining its current configuration on the W16. This focus on developments is explained by the specificities of the Monaco circuit, which requires special settings in terms of aerodynamics and suspension geometry.

McLaren multiplies aerodynamic options

The leader of the constructors’ championship doesn’t do things by halves. The British team arrives in the Principality with a whole arsenal of new features. Two new rear wings enhance their range: a medium-high load model and a medium load one. These new parts are added to the options already in stock, providing engineers with a broader palette to optimize the balance between downforce and drag.

McLaren has also created two new beam wings tailored for these rear configurations. This modular approach allows the team to finely tune their car to track conditions while preparing for upcoming races. The front suspension geometry has been modified to handle the significant steering angles required in the tight corners of the Principality.

A new front brake cooling system complements these developments. This additional option meets the specific thermal needs of Monaco, where repeated and severe braking puts the systems to the test despite the lower average speeds.

Ferrari makes adjustments for steering angles

The Scuderia has chosen a different approach by bringing back elements from its SF-24 from the previous season. The main rear wing and the beam wing adopt the more loaded profiles of 2024, specifically designed for street circuits like Monaco.

The modifications also affect the front suspension with adjustments to the rods and fairings to allow for greater steering angles. This technical adaptation remains essential for effectively negotiating the hairpin and the many right-angle turns of the track.

Red Bull seeks aerodynamic balance

The Austrian team is focusing its efforts on the rear of the car with a new rear wing and an enlarged beam wing. These modifications aim to generate more aerodynamic load in slow corners, an area where the RB21 has shown weaknesses this season.

At the front, Red Bull has revised the suspension arm fairings to allow for greater steering angles. The front brake cooling system has also been redesigned with a larger exit duct, necessary for dissipating the heat generated by the intense braking characteristic of Monaco.

Aston Martin: a balance between downforce and cooling

Aston Martin has introduced a more aggressive front wing, designed to balance the increased aerodynamic load generated by the new rear wing. The latter, larger and more loaded, is specifically adapted to the needs of the Monaco circuit.

Finally, the engineers reworked the cooling ducts at the rear to improve airflow efficiency, which is essential for keeping temperatures under control during repeated deceleration phases.

The other teams are adapting to the track.

Alpine has developed a new, more loaded rear wing accompanied by a tailored beam wing. The French team has also modified the front suspension geometry to increase the wheel angle, an adaptation necessary for the particular characteristics of the circuit.

Haas, for its part, has bet on a rear wing fully exploiting the volume allowed by the regulations, accepting increased drag to maximize downforce. Their lower wing (beam wing) has also been redesigned to work in harmony with this configuration.

Williams is also bringing back its 2024 Monaco configuration with a larger and more loaded rear wing. This proven approach is accompanied by a tuned beam wing and alterations in steering geometry to enhance handling in tight corners.

The Racing Bulls have introduced a maximum downforce rear wing, combined with a double element lower wing to support airflow.

Sauber has designed a new high downforce rear wing, tailored to the specific demands of Monaco. This modification comes along with a revision of the front brake ducts, essential for managing the significant challenges on this street circuit.

Technical adjustments designed for Monaco

The Monaco circuit imposes its own rules. On this winding track, agility and cornering downforce take precedence over top speed. Therefore, teams have opted to add extra drag to gain stability, a compromise unthinkable on other tracks. The tight corners drive them to modify their front suspensions, for example, while the increased cooling demands in the city lead to adjustments on the brakes. To find out if these developments will pay off, tune in to the race tomorrow.