Ferrari’s Austin upgrade is bigger than drivers suggested

Ferrari has brought a broad aerodynamic package to the United States Grand Prix, with its official technical submission revealing changes across several performance-critical areas of the car. The scope appears greater than the modest gain described by its drivers ahead of the weekend at the Circuit of the Americas.

Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc had played down expectations for the new parts. Hamilton said the upgrade was small, estimating its benefit at around half a tenth. But Ferrari’s FIA document lists a range of revisions centred on the floor and the airflow feeding it.

Ferrari’s package targets floor performance

The changes include a redesigned front-floor leading edge, a revised board-brace layout and reshaped vertical and horizontal board elements. Ferrari has also altered the sidepod inlet and undercut to influence how the airflow interacts with the floor.

At the rear, the team has revised the diffuser volume, its fence loading and the outboard components at the trailing edge. Ferrari says the package is intended to raise floor downforce at both ends of the car, while improving energy levels and flow stability towards the rear.

The detail gives a fuller picture of Ferrari’s Austin effort than the initial public assessment suggested. It also adds another development step for the SF-26, covered in our report on Hamilton’s focus on unlocking the car’s potential. Follow the United States Grand Prix weekend with F1LivePulse live timing.

Rivals bring their own aerodynamic revisions

McLaren has revised its front and rear brake ducts to improve flow conditioning and increase downforce. Its diffuser geometry has also been adjusted, with the team targeting improved airflow and downforce across the speed range.

Racing Bulls has introduced a substantial package as it looks to secure best-of-the-rest status behind the top four teams. Its updates cover the front-wing endplate, rear-wing flaps and several floor areas, including the edges, leading edge and floorboards. The engine cover has also been reprofiled, with a new shoulder and uncut.

Red Bull is evaluating a new front-wing vane intended to help monitor front-tyre temperatures. Audi has updated its front brake duct and floorboard geometry, and will use a new mirror stay. Alpine has revised rear-wing flaps and redesigned the rear-floor corner, while Cadillac has changed its forward-floor geometry and sidepod cooling louvres.

Ferrari’s extensive list is the weekend’s standout, but the FIA submissions show that several teams have arrived in Austin with aerodynamic work of their own.

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Source: THE RACE