Mark Hughes explains very different approaches by Red Bull and Ferrari at Monza | 2023 Italian GP. Mark Hughes on different approaches by Red Bull and Ferrari.

The roster of Formula 1 car updates designated for the Italian Grand Prix scarcely features any substantial enhancements; it’s primarily focused on fine-tuning specific aspects to optimize performance on Monza’s lengthy straights. Respected Formula 1 correspondent and authority, Mark Hughes, elaborates on the list, which highlights notably different strategies employed by Red Bull and Ferrari.

RED BULL
The formidable Red Bull team, in contrast to Monza’s usual standards, opts for a rather substantial rear wing, offering two distinct flap configurations, one featuring a substantial cut-out. To harmonize with the reduced rear wing required for this track, the front wing’s chord length has been shortened accordingly.

FERRARI
Ferrari adopts an exceptionally slender rear wing design, featuring a notably smaller main plane and flap compared to Red Bull, Mercedes, or Aston Martin. Correspondingly, the top flap of the front wing has been trimmed to match this configuration.

MERCEDES
Mercedes introduces a compact rear wing with a reduced chord length (while still incorporating significant underside surface), along with a coordinated adjustment to the front wing.

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ALPINE
At Alpine, a low-downforce rear wing is deployed, complemented by the addition of a packer in the beam wing, elevating its angle and providing enhanced support to the main wing’s underside.

McLAREN
McLaren adapts its higher-downforce wing by reducing the flap area and introducing new endplate infills to mitigate drag and downforce at the wing’s outer edges. This serves as an alternative to relieving the outer sections through intricate profiling, a lengthier research and production process. Corresponding adjustments are made to the front wing, along with circuit-specific modifications to the front brake ducts and winglets on the rear ducts.

ALFA ROMEO
Alfa Romeo incorporates a rear wing characterized by a low-drag main plane and endplates. Notably, a genuine development component, rather than a circuit-specific alteration, takes the form of new front suspension shrouds aimed at enhancing the car’s aerodynamic efficiency.