In the Bahrain Grand Prix, the fourth round of the season, technical updates are not particularly numerous, but there are some interesting insights. Only four teams have introduced upgrades, including three top teams: Ferrari, Red Bull, and McLaren. Among the midfield teams, only Haas has brought an evolution.
Haas
The only midfield team to bring updates in Bahrain is Haas, which has introduced a modified engine cover in the terminal area. The change, aimed at expanding the hot air outlet area, is intended to improve the thermal management of the VF-25, which is particularly stressed by the high temperatures of the Sakhir circuit.
Ferrari
Ferrari is the team that has introduced the most significant update package, with changes mainly focused on the floor of the car. The diffuser area has undergone the most substantial modifications: the volumes have been revised, with a now more tapered keel and larger side channels to allow greater airflow. The “stepped” keel on the lower part has disappeared, replaced by a triangular tab at the rear of the diffuser.
The leading edge of the Venturi channel features new vertical vanes, both internal and external, redesigned to optimize vortex management. Additionally, a third vortex generator has been added on the edge of the floor.
Further refinements have also been made in micro-aerodynamics. The goal of the package is clear: to increase the aerodynamic load generated by the floor and allow the SF-25 to run with lower ride heights, improving overall efficiency. Initial feedback gathered after the Bahrain weekend has been encouraging.
Red Bull
Red Bull has introduced minor updates focused on micro-aerodynamics and balance.
The number of cooling louvres on the engine cover has been increased to improve cooling, while a new flap has appeared on the front wing. This flap, the fourth from the bottom, now features a longer chord, with the goal of increasing front-end aerodynamic load and improving its interaction with the available rear wing options.
The RB21 has shown signs of fragility when Max Verstappen is not the one driving it. The team is therefore working to rebalance the car’s behaviour, which is still too reactive at the front. Increasing front-end load should allow for higher downforce configurations at the rear, making the car more manageable for both drivers.
McLaren
McLaren has introduced a very specific update on the MCL39, focused solely on the winglet of the front brake duct. The component has been redesigned to optimize airflow toward the rest of the car, thus helping to improve overall aerodynamic efficiency.
After the first updates seen in Suzuka, more changes have arrived in Bahrain: teams are still getting to know the new cars and are assessing the effectiveness of their designs before deciding whether to invest further in development.
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