Ferrari and Red Bull revise rear brake cooling; McLaren and Mercedes bring upgrades too | Imola GP. Ferrari and Red Bull update rear brake cooling systems at Imola.

At Imola, development officially takes off, with updates present on nearly every car. McLaren intervenes on the aerodynamics of the rear end, but most notably modifies the geometry of the front suspension. Ferrari and Red Bull both bring new rear brake cooling ducts—components of great interest, particularly on the Woking car leading the championship. Mercedes also introduces its first upgrades of the season, while Aston Martin installs a package developed for the first time using its new wind tunnel.

Top teams’ updates
McLaren continues to focus primarily on the rear end, which has already been the subject of significant attention in previous rounds. The Woking-based team remains vague in its update descriptions, speaking of aerodynamic adjustments to the wheel assemblies and the fairings of the rear suspension arms, with uncertainty over whether the package also includes changes to the much-discussed brake cooling ducts. However, the standout is the modification to the front suspension, aimed at increasing the clearance between the arms to allow for greater relative movement. The garage also features a high-downforce beam wing–rear wing assembly.

Mercedes follows a similar approach, concentrating on the front end. The W16 sports new fairings for the suspension arms, coupled with modifications to the front wing. The package is completed by a revised engine cover. Ferrari, meanwhile, reintroduces the high-downforce beam wing–rear wing assembly inherited from last season, and most importantly, a new rear brake cooling system. Red Bull makes the same modification, along with new side radiator inlets and updated rear suspension fairings.

Midfield developments
The star of the pit lane at Imola is Aston Martin, which debuts a comprehensive package including a new floor, diffuser, bodywork, and beam wing. This marks a milestone for the Silverstone-based team, as it’s the first update developed using its own new wind tunnel—though still built on Mercedes’ structural concept. Haas also brings numerous changes, updating the floor, diffuser, rear brake cooling ducts, and rear suspension fairings. Racing Bulls debut a new floor and an updated engine cover, while Alpine modifies its bodywork and front wing flaps. Williams and Sauber are the only teams without any upgrades for the Italian Grand Prix.