The FIA has published the official document detailing all the 2026 Hungarian GP upgrades introduced by the Formula 1 teams, with almost the entire grid bringing new or circuit-specific components to the Hungaroring. Ferrari has continued the development of its high-downforce configuration with an evolved rear wing, while Aston Martin has arrived with by far the most extensive package of the weekend. McLaren has also modified several important aerodynamic areas of its car.
The Hungaroring represents one of the most significant tests yet for the new-generation 2026 Formula 1 cars, which use a revised aerodynamic philosophy and active aerodynamics. The short and technical circuit contains a high concentration of medium- and low-speed corners, directing most of the teams towards greater downforce and improved airflow quality.
Aston Martin has modified almost every major area of the AMR26, including the nose, front wing, floor, bodywork, rear suspension and rear wing. McLaren has also introduced a broad development package covering the rear wing, floor and the aerodynamic components surrounding the wheels.
Red Bull has revised its diffuser, rear-wing pylons and flap, while openly acknowledging that part of its work was inspired by solutions observed on rival cars. Ferrari, meanwhile, has continued to develop its high-downforce package with a new evolved rear wing for the SF-26.
Mercedes, Williams, Racing Bulls, Haas, Audi and Cadillac have introduced more targeted modifications. Some of the changes are also related to cooling: McLaren and Cadillac have enlarged the openings serving the front brakes, while Mercedes and Racing Bulls have increased the amount of heat that can be discharged through the bodywork.
That cooling work could be particularly relevant in the environmental conditions expected in Budapest. The Hungaroring places considerable demands on the brakes and cooling systems, a subject also examined in an analysis of how the 2026 cars change braking at the Hungarian GP.
Below is the complete team-by-team breakdown of the official modifications declared for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix.
McLaren introduce one of the largest Hungarian GP upgrade packages
McLaren has brought one of the most comprehensive development packages of the weekend. Its changes cover the rear wing, floor body, front corner and rear corner, with the overall objective of improving airflow management and increasing aerodynamic load.
The package also includes a larger front-brake cooling outlet designed specifically for the demands of the Hungaroring. These changes expand on the major McLaren development programme for Hungary.
Rear wing
Reason: Performance – airflow conditioning.
Difference: Modified endplate.
McLaren has made a small revision to the rear-wing endplate to improve airflow conditioning and the wing’s aerodynamic characteristics across its complete operating range.
Floor body
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: New floor and floor board.
The car features a new floor with a revised board. Both the basic geometry and the internal elements have been modified to improve airflow conditioning and increase local aerodynamic load in all operating conditions.
Front corner aerodynamic furniture
Reason: Performance – airflow conditioning.
Difference: Revised front-corner furniture.
A small change has been made to the aerodynamic elements around the front corner. The objective is to manage the airflow around the front tyre more effectively and improve the overall aerodynamic performance of the car.
Front-brake cooling
Reason: Circuit-specific – cooling.
Difference: Enlarged brake-cooling outlet.
McLaren has designed a larger front outlet to meet the increased brake-cooling requirements at the Hungaroring. The team has simultaneously attempted to minimise the negative aerodynamic consequences of the larger opening.
Rear corner aerodynamic furniture
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised rear-corner furniture.
The aerodynamic elements around the rear corner have been updated with a new winglet arrangement intended to generate additional downforce efficiently.
Mercedes target downforce and improved cooling in Budapest
Mercedes has introduced a package tailored to the specific requirements of the Hungaroring. The principal focus is increasing downforce through changes to the rear wing and the diffuser area.
The team has also enlarged the bodywork openings to improve cooling for the power unit and the internal components. The package arrives as Mercedes looks to demonstrate that the W17 can challenge Ferrari at the Hungaroring.
Rear wing
Reason: Circuit-specific – aerodynamic drag.
Difference: Additional winglet on the rear wing’s centreline.
The new winglet increases the local chord and curvature of the wing, producing more downforce and drag. Mercedes has optimised the relationship between those two effects for the particular requirements of the Hungarian circuit.
Engine cover and bodywork
Reason: Cooling.
Difference: Enlarged rear bodywork outlet.
The rear outlet section of the bodywork has been enlarged to increase airflow through the sidepods. This is intended to provide sufficient cooling for the circuit’s characteristics and the anticipated operating conditions.
Tail
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Tail winglet integrated into the rear-wing support.
Integrating the tail winglet into the rear-wing support increases local aerodynamic load and drag. Mercedes has selected a compromise suited to the higher level of downforce required in Budapest.
Red Bull acknowledge inspiration from rival F1 cars
Red Bull’s Hungarian GP upgrade package is focused primarily on generating more downforce. The modifications involve the diffuser and rear wing, including changes to the pylons, flap and the surface next to the rear-impact structure.
The team has also stated that one element of its development was inspired by solutions seen on rival cars, illustrating how quickly Formula 1 teams study and reinterpret concepts that appear elsewhere on the grid.
Rear-wing pylons
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised pylon profiles.
By exploiting the permitted geometry of the rear-wing pylons, Red Bull has increased the curvature of the supports. The objective is to extract more aerodynamic load while maintaining, or potentially improving, airflow stability.
Floor and diffuser
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised diffuser geometry.
The floor diffuser now features a larger surface in the area adjacent to the rear-impact structure. Red Bull has explained that the concept was inspired by certain rival solutions and is intended to increase local aerodynamic load.
Rear-wing flap
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised flap geometry.
A new rear-wing flap features revised curvature and chord dimensions to generate the additional load required at the Hungaroring. The modification is accompanied by a small change to the geometry of the wing’s lower support.
Ferrari reveal new high-downforce rear wing for Hungarian GP
Ferrari has brought another evolution of its rear wing to the Hungaroring, changing the flap, endplate and pylons to generate more aerodynamic load. The development continues the normal evolution of the SF-26 rather than representing a completely isolated circuit experiment.
The package also includes an optional cascade of winglets on the rear-impact structure fairing. This configuration can be used when the team wishes to prioritise maximum downforce over aerodynamic efficiency.
The concept is particularly relevant at a circuit where Ferrari’s low-speed corner performance could influence the competitive order. However, greater load does not automatically guarantee that the Hungaroring will suit every aspect of the car.
Rear wing
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: New flaps with additional trailing-edge devices, new pylons and a redesigned upper internal endplate volume.
As part of its regular development cycle, Ferrari has introduced a further evolution of the rear wing focused on producing greater downforce in a stable and consistent manner.
Rear-wing endplate and optional winglet cascade
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Optional winglet cascade on the rear-impact structure fairing.
The optional winglet cascade has been developed to increase rear aerodynamic load further. However, this additional downforce comes at the expense of the configuration’s overall aerodynamic efficiency.
This balance between load and efficiency is central to the technical challenge of the Hungarian weekend. Ferrari can choose the more aggressive configuration when maximum grip is the priority, but must also consider the associated increase in resistance and its effect on the complete lap.
Williams modify the rear wing and floor
Williams has introduced two updates specifically for the Hungaroring. The first is a new rear-wing configuration using a high-downforce flap, while the second concerns the floor, where a different outer-winglet geometry changes the distribution of aerodynamic load around the rear of the car.
Rear wing
Reason: Circuit-specific – aerodynamic drag.
Difference: New rear-wing configuration with modified flap elements.
To adapt the car to the demands of the Hungaroring, Williams has introduced an optional rear-wing flap geometry capable of increasing the aerodynamic load generated by the rear of the car.
Floor body
Reason: Circuit-specific – aerodynamic drag.
Difference: New floor configuration with revised outer-winglet geometry.
This second circuit-specific development modifies how aerodynamic load is distributed across the outer edge of the floor and the surrounding components in the rear area of the car.
Racing Bulls increase rear load and cooling capacity
Racing Bulls has brought three updates to Budapest. New winglets on the roll hoop improve the airflow directed towards the rear of the car, while the revised rear wing increases downforce.
The package is completed by a dedicated cooling configuration featuring new openings in the bodywork. These allow more air to pass through the radiators and give the team a wider operating margin in hot conditions.
Roll hoop
Reason: Performance – airflow conditioning.
Difference: Additional roll-hoop winglets.
The winglets added to the roll hoop introduced at the previous event increase the team’s design freedom in this area and improve the quality of the airflow travelling towards the rear of the car.
Rear wing
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised rear-impact structure fairing and auxiliary wing components.
The combination of modifications to the impact-structure fairing, flaps and auxiliary components allows the rear wing to produce more downforce, making the configuration more suitable for the Hungaroring.
Cooling louvres
Reason: Circuit-specific – cooling.
Difference: New bodywork cooling-louvre configurations.
Opening additional louvres in the bodywork increases the airflow passing through the radiators. This improves engine cooling and widens the car’s available operating range.
Aston Martin bring extensive AMR26 ‘EVO’ package
Aston Martin has introduced by far the largest package of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, making changes to almost the entire car. The scale of the development makes the revised AMR26 comparable to an evolved specification rather than a minor circuit adjustment.
The package includes a new front end, an extensively revised floor, changes to the bodywork, rear suspension and brake ducts, as well as an updated rear-wing configuration. Several components have been designed to work as interconnected systems rather than as independent modifications.
Front wing
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised front and plan views with redistributed chord.
The front wing, endplate and nose form one complete development package designed to improve front-end performance in combination with the other upgrades introduced across the car.
Front-wing endplate
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Updated main body, diveplane and foot.
The revised endplate forms part of the integrated front-wing and nose package. Its purpose is to improve front-end performance while supporting the airflow requirements created by the other new components.
Nose
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Longer and slimmer nose.
The new nose is longer and narrower than the previous version. It has been developed together with the front wing and endplate to improve the aerodynamic performance of the front of the AMR26.
Front corner
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised lip and longer rear deflector.
The new external front-brake-duct elements work with the revised front wing to manage the airflow around the front wheels more effectively.
Floor body
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Changes to all permitted floor surfaces.
Every floor modification has been developed as part of a single package. Aston Martin’s objective is to increase the aerodynamic load generated by the floor and improve the car’s overall performance.
Floor fences
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Updated floor-entry elements.
The floor fences have been revised as part of the same integrated development. They are intended to support the new floor geometry and improve the amount and consistency of the load produced underneath the car.
Floor edge
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised floor edge and area ahead of the rear tyre.
The outer floor edge and the region immediately ahead of the rear tyre have both been changed. These modifications form part of the wider attempt to improve floor-generated downforce and the car’s overall aerodynamic performance.
Diffuser
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised main diffuser, strakes and winglet.
Aston Martin has modified the principal diffuser surfaces, the internal dividing elements and the associated winglet. As with the other floor changes, the parts were designed as a coordinated package to increase aerodynamic load.
Sidepod inlet
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Redesigned sidepod inlet aligned with the new bodywork.
The sidepod inlet has been reshaped as part of the evolved bodywork package. Its purpose is to improve how the airflow is supplied to the rear of the car and to complement the new floor geometry.
Engine cover and bodywork
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Minor bodywork shape changes.
The bodywork has been subtly modified to improve airflow delivery towards the rear of the car and support the changes introduced to the floor.
Cooling louvres
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Cooling panels remain conceptually unchanged.
The louvres retain the usual range of available configurations, allowing Aston Martin to optimise cooling according to the ambient conditions without introducing a fundamentally different concept.
Rear suspension
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Minor changes to suspension-arm positions and external fairings.
The rear-suspension and rear-brake-duct modifications were developed together and integrated with the changes made to the rear section of the floor.
Rear corner
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Minor revisions to the inlet, outlet and flow deflectors.
The rear-corner changes cover the brake-duct inlet and outlet surfaces, as well as the airflow deflectors. They were developed alongside the revised rear suspension and integrated with the new rear-floor package.
Rear wing
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Redistributed chord across the three elements and winglets added to the flap’s trailing edge.
The revised rear-wing components increase downforce while also reducing the drag associated with the impact structure. Their operation has been coordinated with the other changes introduced at the rear of the car.
Beam wing
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Revised twist distribution on the rear-wing support.
The beam-wing and rear-wing support geometry has been adjusted as part of the broader rear-end development. The package is intended to increase load while limiting the aerodynamic resistance generated by the surrounding structure.
Rear-wing endplate
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Every surface of the endplate has been revised.
The redesigned endplate works with the other rear-wing components to increase aerodynamic load, reduce the drag contribution of the impact structure and complement the remaining upgrades at the rear of the AMR26.
Haas fit a more aggressive rear-wing configuration
Haas has introduced a targeted rear-wing update. The revised rear-impact structure fairing and the adoption of a more aggressive Gurney flap are intended to increase rear load and adapt the VF-26 to the Hungaroring’s high-downforce requirements.
Rear wing
Reason: Performance – local load.
Difference: Optimised rear-impact structure fairing and new rear-wing Gurney flap.
The revised fairing around the rear-impact structure increases local aerodynamic load. Combined with the more aggressive Gurney-flap configuration, it helps the rear wing generate additional downforce.
Audi revise the rear-wing endplate
Audi has introduced only one declared update in Budapest, focusing on the rear-wing endplate. The change is designed to improve airflow conditioning and increase local aerodynamic load without compromising the car’s overall efficiency.
Rear wing
Reason: Performance – airflow conditioning.
Difference: Modified endplate.
A revised rear-wing endplate profile has been introduced. Audi designed the update to increase local downforce while also contributing to improved overall aerodynamic efficiency.
Alpine declare no Hungarian GP upgrades
Alpine has not declared any new components for the 2026 Hungarian Grand Prix. It is the only team in the official document without a listed upgrade for the Hungaroring weekend.
Cadillac increase front-brake cooling capacity
Cadillac has introduced one update at the Hungaroring, concentrating on the front-brake ducts. The inlet and outlet surfaces have been revised to increase airflow through the ducts and improve the cooling capacity of the braking system.
Front corner and brake ducts
Reason: Performance – brake cooling.
Difference: Updated inlet and outlet surfaces for the front-brake ducts.
The front-brake-duct surfaces have been revised to increase the area available at both the airflow inlet and outlet. This allows a greater volume of air to pass through the ducts and provides additional brake-cooling capacity.
Why the 2026 Hungarian GP upgrades focus on downforce
The official list makes the teams’ priorities for Budapest clear. Rear wings, floors, diffusers and airflow-control devices dominate the declarations because the Hungaroring places a greater premium on cornering performance than on minimising drag.
That does not mean efficiency can be ignored. Every increase in wing angle, chord or curvature can add resistance, leaving teams to decide how much straight-line performance they are prepared to exchange for greater grip through the circuit’s long and closely connected corner sequences.
Ferrari’s optional winglet cascade is one of the clearest examples of this compromise. It offers additional rear load when required, but the team openly accepts a reduction in overall aerodynamic efficiency when the component is fitted.
The same basic challenge can be seen in the packages introduced by Mercedes, Williams, Racing Bulls and Haas. Each team is pursuing additional downforce, but the precise solutions reflect the operating characteristics and aerodynamic architecture of its own car.
Cooling is the other major theme. Larger brake outlets and additional bodywork openings can protect components and maintain stable temperatures, but every enlarged aperture also has aerodynamic consequences. Engineers must therefore provide sufficient cooling without unnecessarily disturbing the external airflow.
The upgrade list adds another technical dimension to a weekend already expected to provide a revealing comparison between the leading teams. Ferrari entered Hungary with several theoretical advantages, although the Hungarian GP competitive picture still includes an important Mercedes strength.
The scale of Aston Martin’s package will attract particular attention because so many interconnected areas of the AMR26 have changed at once. Ferrari and McLaren have taken less comprehensive but still significant steps, while Red Bull’s acknowledgement of inspiration from rival concepts highlights the continuous exchange of technical ideas across the grid.
The FIA document confirms only what each team has changed and the stated purpose behind those changes. The circuit will determine whether the new components deliver the intended balance, cooling capacity and aerodynamic performance once the cars are pushed through the demanding medium- and low-speed sections of the Hungaroring.
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