2026 Japanese Grand Prix: Red Bull and Ferrari Bring Upgrades to Suzuka
Suzuka is easily one of the most demanding circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. If a team wants to survive the high-speed S curves and long straights, their aerodynamic efficiency needs to be perfectly dialed in. With the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix weekend now underway, the FIA has released the upgrades a number of teams have brought to Suzuka.
Red Bull and Ferrari Push for More Aerodynamic Load Oracle Red Bull Racing : The Milton Keynes squad brought a surprisingly hefty package to Japan. Red Bull has introduced a revised sidepod inlet and adjusted the surrounding engine cover bodywork. According to the team, this change allows the sidepods to ingest higher-pressure air, improving cooling efficiency.
Because they changed the sidepods, they also had to revise the upper surface of the floor to match, which ultimately generates more aerodynamic load. Finally, to handle Suzuka’s heavy braking zones, they slightly modified the rear brake ducts. Scuderia Ferrari HP : Ferrari took a highly calculated risk this weekend by reducing the inboard exit area of their front brake ducts.
They are actively trading off a bit of brake cooling capacity in exchange for better external aerodynamic flow. The Scuderia also brought a minor geometric update to the front floor stay fairing to improve local flow features under the car. The Midfield: Aston Martin, Alpine, and Cadillac Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team: Aston Martin focused on load distribution at the front of the car.
They shortened the chord of the third front wing profile and raised the edge of the outboard footplate. Further back, they revised the floor leading edge devices to completely change how aerodynamic load is generated across the width of the floor. BWT Alpine F1 Team: Alpine rolled up with a trio of aerodynamic updates.