Video summary

What Every F1 Team Has Upgraded Or Brought To The 2026 Belgian Grand Prix

Main summary

Key takeaways

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Overview

This video outlines what each Formula 1 team has upgraded or changed for the 2026 Belgian Grand Prix, with the main focus on front-wing and rear-wing aerodynamic updates suited to Spa’s low-downforce, high-speed demands.

Key themes include:

  • The upgrade work isn’t described as the biggest on paper, but notable changes are appearing—especially aimed at reducing drag and improving efficiency in sectors 1 and 3.
  • Some teams are said to have reverted to older designs after safety-related issues.

Rear-wing updates (team-by-team)

  • Ferrari: Still uses the same rear-wing setup (“Macarena” referenced). No major rear-wing upgrade is shown here.
  • McLaren: Brings two different rear wings:
    • One matching the main/season-standard configuration
    • A second configuration tested via development on the side structure
  • Mercedes: Uses a simplified rear wing versus what it had been running:
    • Drops certain features (including discussion about avoiding specific upwash streak behavior)
    • Keeps a small central mini-wing element
  • Racing Bulls: Mostly retains its familiar rear-wing concept, but the video highlights an unusual actuator comparison versus other teams.
  • Haas: Runs a less-developed rear wing, described as not the same as the one they brought earlier (referenced as having been seen at Silverstone).
  • Aston Martin: Appears to be using the same rear wing as at the start of the season.
  • Audi: Has reverted to an earlier direction from what it developed in Silverstone, aiming for lower downforce using different components.
  • Alpine: Uses its usual rear wing, possibly with a slightly smaller plane (uncertain from the viewing angle).

Front-wing changes (high-level focus)

  • Haas:
    • Adds small cutouts to the front wing for a straight-line/low-downforce mode.
    • Described as having five sections applicable at Spa.
    • The host suggests the biggest effects may show up in higher-downforce conditions, where “super clipping” could occur.
  • Mercedes:
    • Introduces a new front wing with meaningful changes beneath it:
      • The dive plane is extended.
      • The end plate is now a single integrated piece (instead of a disc connection above a referenced component), and looks more rectangular from above.

Aerodynamic concept noted

The video calls out Venturi / striking outwash-style effects on some cars, especially:

  • Mercedes showing a feature now matching what was previously seen on Ferrari
  • Similar effects appearing in other forms on McLaren and others

The host notes a likely tradeoff: these upgrades can create dirty air, though it’s unclear whether net performance gain outweighs the downside.

Major “reversion” story: Red Bull

  • Red Bull (Max Verstappen and teammate): The biggest headline is that Red Bull is running the older rear wing again.
  • The host attributes the change to safety issues, reportedly reverting to reduce risk in certain Spa corners where high-G crashes could be severe.
  • The video suggests the old wing might slow development and could even risk Red Bull falling behind McLaren at this event.
  • There are rumors the older wing may not return, but the host believes it’s likely to come back after the summer break.

Team-specific additional notes

  • Racing Bulls:
    • Adds an engine-cover aerodynamic change.
    • The bulky, square-ish form is reduced versus earlier U-shaped openings.
    • Primarily improving cooling efficiency, with aerodynamic benefits as well.
  • Ferrari:
    • No major rear-wing upgrade shown, but additional testing is emphasized:
      • Austria floor development is referenced (a line separating blades for a Venturi-like effect).
      • Ferrari may run a more traditional floor rather than the complex multi-element version.
      • FTM area testing may be on/off at the start of FP1, described as an easy component swap for incremental time gains.
  • McLaren:
    • Mentions a bigger planned development likely arriving at Hungary:
      • Framed as a potential “B spec” with middle-geometry changes and cornering improvements.
    • Also discussed as possibly testing additional rear-wing concepts here (uncertain).
  • Cadillac:
    • Briefly mentioned: a new front wing is said to be brought.
    • The host is curious whether it will surprise the field.

Wrap-up

  • The host encourages viewers to comment on whether these upgrades will meaningfully impact performance at Spa.
  • No on-track race results are included—this is strictly a pre-weekend upgrade rundown.

Presenters / Sources

  • Presenter/Host: Not explicitly named in the subtitles.
  • Photographer/source credited: Mateusz Mraz (Polish photographer; followed on Twitter).

Original video