Mercedes leads the upgrade push for the Spanish Grand Prix
Several Formula 1 teams have introduced new parts for the Spanish Grand Prix as the grid prepares for its first weekend around Madrid’s new Madring Circuit. The latest technical changes are concentrated among the leading teams, with several squads opting for targeted revisions rather than broad packages.
Mercedes arrives in Madrid fresh from victory at Monza and has brought a set of circuit-specific updates. The most visible changes are at the rear of the car, where the team has modified its rear wing and exhaust tailpipe in an effort to reduce drag. The Brackley-based squad has also recorded a reprofiling of the front lip around the brake drums as it pursues its 10th win of the season.
The circuit’s demands will provide the first competitive test of these changes. For more on the venue itself, see our guide to Madrid’s new Madring Circuit.
Red Bull responds to recent concerns
Red Bull’s update list is shaped by the team’s recent struggles with car performance. Max Verstappen noted at Monza that the car was degrading throughout the race, and the Milton Keynes-based squad has responded with two changes for Madrid.
The first affects the rear wheel bodywork assembly, while the second introduces a geometric change between the floor and the chassis. Both revisions underline Red Bull’s focus on addressing concerns that emerged during its previous race weekend.
Ferrari has listed a single upgrade: a reprofiling of the rear top wishbone of the suspension intended to improve local load. McLaren has also brought one modification, with its update focused on the rear wing to improve airflow.
Limited changes in the midfield
Upgrade activity is more limited among the midfield teams. Alpine, which took pole position at the Italian Grand Prix, has brought an updated floorboard to Madrid. Cadillac has made changes to its rear wing and diffuser.
Williams, Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, Haas and Audi, meanwhile, have arrived without notable upgrades listed for the Spanish Grand Prix.
The distribution of updates leaves Mercedes, Red Bull, Ferrari and McLaren as the main technical storylines among the front-running teams, while Alpine and Cadillac represent the most significant midfield changes. With the Madring providing a new competitive reference, the effectiveness of each package will become clearer as the weekend progresses.
Simone Scanu
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.