Mercedes may have brought the most substantial development package to Sepang, but Ferrari, Red Bull and McLaren have also arrived in Malaysia with changes to their Formula 1 cars. Ferrari and Red Bull are both looking for additional aerodynamic load, while McLaren has focused on ensuring adequate power-unit cooling in the intense Malaysian heat.
The Mercedes package is the most extensive seen in the pit lane this weekend and represents the team’s first major development step since the Canadian Grand Prix. Its rivals have nevertheless continued refining their own cars, underlining how Formula 1’s technical development race remains active deep into the season.
Ferrari adds new SF-26 rear aero element at Sepang
Ferrari is already working at Maranello on a larger upgrade package expected to make its debut during the upcoming three-race American sequence. Before that arrives, however, the SF-26 has received a smaller aerodynamic modification for Sepang.
The change consists of an additional flap positioned at the top of the cascade of aerodynamic elements around the rear wheel assembly, alongside the diffuser. Ferrari’s objective is to generate more downforce by exploiting the interaction between this collection of elements and the rear diffuser.
The modification once again shows the Scuderia’s particular attention to the rear of the SF-26. Ferrari had already introduced a new fairing around the rear-suspension arms in Madrid as it continued working on this area of the car. More developments concerning the team’s aerodynamic direction can be followed in the Ferrari technical analysis section.
Red Bull targets stronger outwash around RB22 floor
Red Bull is also continuing to invest in development and has introduced a revised configuration for the aerodynamic elements positioned alongside the inlet section of the RB22 floor.
The horizontal flaps remain in place, but they are now joined by two full-height vertical fences and a further shorter element. The intention is to maximise the outwash effect by directing airflow outwards and pushing turbulence generated by the front tyres away from the floor.
The Sepang changes therefore complete the development package that partially debuted in Baku, where Red Bull had already introduced modifications to the floor and bodywork. The latest additions are designed to refine how airflow reaches one of the most aerodynamically sensitive areas of the car.
McLaren adapts MCL40 cooling for Malaysian heat
McLaren’s modifications are more closely related to the high temperatures expected in Malaysia than to a conventional performance upgrade. The reigning world champions have focused on cooling the Mercedes power unit effectively by opening up the louvres along the sides of the engine cover.
The specific change involves an alternative bodywork panel, following the substantial transformation of the MCL40’s bodywork that arrived as part of the Baku package.
McLaren’s main priority remains validating the developments introduced in Azerbaijan. The team hopes those changes will help it remain competitive with Mercedes through the end of the season, even after the recent upgrades introduced by the Brackley team.
Ferrari and rivals continue development with 2027 in mind
The steady arrival of new components across all of Formula 1’s leading teams illustrates how much development potential remains in the current generation of cars. Ferrari, Red Bull, McLaren and Mercedes are all still searching for performance rather than freezing their existing packages.
That work also carries significance beyond the current season. Knowledge gained from these developments can be transferred into the 2027 cars, making each new aerodynamic solution and track validation exercise relevant to the next stage of Formula 1 development as well. Ferrari’s wider technical challenge heading towards that season has also emerged as an important part of its preparations for the 2027 regulations.
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