Technical updates: 2024 Japanese Grand Prix

The majority of teams have introduced new parts as the development race really kicks into gear at this weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix. Red Bull has a significant number of upgrades around the most performance-related areas of its car as it updates its sidepod inlet — further improving aerodynamic performance downstream — and the floor to increase load. There are also smaller inlet and exit ducts for the front brakes, with low temperatures in Suzuka. There are no new parts at Mercedes, but Ferrari has brought a version of its 2023 rear wing to be able to adapt the load levels in the case of potential rain on Sunday, as well as a fairing update to the rear suspension that brings a small efficiency increase. McLaren only has a similar front brake duct tweak to that at Red Bull, but Aston Martin has a wide range of developments that focus mainly on the floor. An evolution of the floor body is introduced in tandem with upgraded floor fences and a change to the floor edge that all improve the local load. The diffuser shape has also been modified to improve flow characteristics and load, while bodywork changes to the engine cover and beam wing all work in conjunction with the floor upgrade. Aston’s upgrade is expected to be run by Lance Stroll on Friday, with Fernando Alonso set to receive the update on Saturday once a second set of new parts arrives in Japan. At Alpine, there is a new front wing with less drag, leading to an associated change to the front brake ducts, and an updated beam wing that is intended to increase the load to the floor. Williams still doesn’t have a spare chassis but has been able to bring some new parts to Suzuka, with a front wing endplate change having an impact on the overall downforce of the car as well as the way it is utilized. The other submissions are circuit-specific, as Williams aims to reduce downforce and drag with its rear wing and beam wing options. RB’s upgrades focus solely on the floor body and floor edge, with reprofiling of the underfloor and floor fences increasing downforce, and the team is understood to have multiple new versions in case of damage during the weekend, while Stake Sauber has also redesigned its floor and edges. Like Mercedes, Haas does not have any new parts this weekend at Suzuka, but is aiming to bring its first updates to the next round in China.