Formula 1’s visit to Monza has prompted a number of teams to bring developments specifically targeted at the Temple of Speed’s low downforce needs. 

McLaren lead the way by making significant changes to the rear wings of the MCL60, with new lower drag variants featuring a low drag flap assembly. There are two trim options, reducing flap loading and resultant downforce and drag of the rear wing assembly. Additionally, the wing features new endplates. The Woking squad has also adjusted the rear corner winglet arrangement in order to reduce aerodynamic load and drag at circuit’s such as Monza. 

At the front of the MCL60 the team has also altered the front wing flap, aiming at reducing load to balance the low-downforce rear wing options. The team has also brought a new front brake duct scoop, which results in improved flow conditioning and subsequently an efficient increase in aerodynamic load while maintaining sufficient brake cooling.

The changes were made to overcome performance woes experienced at Spa, and in the opening practice session at Monza the team split the rear wing trim levels across its cars with McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella saying the results had been promising. 

“We had no time to address that for Spa. We had some quite rapid corrective work to be able to come here to Monza and have some low drag solutions. We saw these solutions split across the cars this morning. We are happy that the data we saw were matching the expectation. So now we are left to pick the right one for the race. And we hope to do better than what we were doing in Spa in dry conditions.”

Alfa Romeo, meanwhile, have chosen Monza to unveil a revised front suspension geometry. New suspension shrouds work to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the car, working in unison with the remainder of the car. The Hinwil team has also brought a low-downforce rear wing to this race. 

Elsewhere, Red Bull, Mercedes and Ferrari all make circuit-specific alterations to their front and rear wing assemblies, all designed to suit the drag range of Monza. Aston Martin have a circuit-specific rear wing, Williams has a Monza-spec front wing, while Alpine have made changes to the beam wing of the A523 to reduce drag and lower downforce. 

Finally, over at AlphaTauri revised, Monza focussed front and rear wings are joined by two other minor updates designed for this circuit. Three turning vanes have been removed from the rear view mirrors and Compared to the baseline rear brake duct assembly, several of the upper, rear brake drum elements have been removed. Both changes have been made to meet the aero demands of Monza. 

You can see the full list of changes below as submitted by the teams, and keep an eye out for the next round of changes ahead of the first of a run of flyaway races with the 2023 FIA Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix in two weeks’ time.