The action has kicked off in Monza, and the first free practice has already shown that the teams are not resting on their laurels. They are actively optimizing their cars for the high speeds required by this iconic circuit. Red Bull and Mercedes have introduced special Monza wings, while Ferrari and McLaren are taking it a step further with more extensive updates.
Red Bull and Mercedes Focus on Wing Adjustments
What immediately stands out is that Red Bull has not made just one, but two specific adjustments for Monza. Both the front and rear wings of the RB20 have been modified to generate less downforce and, more importantly, less air resistance. These flatter-set wings are crucial on this fast circuit. McLaren has also introduced a new front wing, alongside improved brake ducts to optimize cooling. Mercedes has brought a new rear wing, aimed at minimizing air resistance. Ferrari has made similar adjustments to their SF-24.
More Than Wings: Ferrari and McLaren Expand Their Updates
While Red Bull and Mercedes are primarily focusing on optimizing their wings, Ferrari and McLaren are taking it a step further. Ferrari has not only introduced a new rear wing but also a completely new floor. This adjustment is of great importance, as the floor is now responsible for more than sixty percent of the total downforce in the current ground effect cars. Ferrari hopes to finally get the bouncing under control, a problem that re-emerged earlier this season in Barcelona.
McLaren, which already implemented a significant update last week in Zandvoort, has made substantial strides again in Monza. This time with sidepods designed to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the MCL38. The new sidepods are expected to improve airflow, which should have a positive effect, especially at the rear of the car.
Technical Experiments in Free Practice Sessions
Interestingly, Mercedes is conducting a so-called ‘back-to-back test’ during the free practice sessions in Monza. They are comparing the floor they used in Belgium with an older specification to determine the optimal configuration for Monza. At Red Bull, which has not implemented any new updates, they continue to test with a floor internally referred to as the ‘Frankenstein floor’.
