Technical innovations presented by teams in Monaco

      The Monaco Grand Prix became the first stage of the season for which all championship teams prepared various technical innovations, which is not surprising, as it is primarily related to the unique features of the famous city circuit.

      McLaren

      McLaren has the longest list of improvements, with six items, but only in the explanations for two innovations is it noted that they are dictated by the characteristics of the circuit, which runs through the narrow winding streets of the Mediterranean principality.

      These are the engine cover and the rear wing, which has lost its actuator, as it has been decided not to use active aerodynamic systems at the Monaco stage.

      As for the engine cover, it has been slightly enlarged – this contributes to more effective cooling system operation.

      Regarding the changes in the configuration of the front suspension fairings, the team writes that they are mainly aimed at increasing reliability, although this point also mentions that it is done so that the front wheels can turn at a greater angle.

      The geometry of the additional rear wing has been slightly altered: this allows for more effective operation in conjunction with the main rear wing.

      There are also mentions of some modifications to the rear suspension fairings, aimed at creating a higher quality airflow around this area of the chassis and directed to the diffuser, which has also undergone changes – "to increase strength and aerodynamic efficiency across the entire speed range."

      Mercedes

      The championship leaders report a single change: additional winglets have appeared on the rear wings of Kimi Antonelli's and George Russell's cars, generating additional downforce.

      Red Bull Racing

      On the RB22 in Monaco, larger front brake ducts have been installed, different front suspension fairings (the reason is the same as in the case of McLaren), and the sidepods and engine cover have larger vents for expelling hot air – for more effective cooling of the power unit and gearbox. The design of the rear wing has also been changed, in accordance with FIA requirements regarding the ban on using the Straight Mode (straight-line mode).

      Ferrari

      To ensure that Charles Leclerc's and Lewis Hamilton's cars fit well into the corners of the track, especially at the Grand Hotel hairpin, necessary changes have been made to the configuration of the steering rods, front suspension arms, and their fairings.

      Additional Gurney flaps have appeared on the front part of the SF-26 floor, and there is also mention of a change in the diffuser design – of course, all this is aimed at increasing downforce, as required by the Monaco track.

      Williams

      Changes in the geometry of several front suspension elements are dictated by the same considerations as in the case of other teams, and the British team also reports an improvement in the exhaust system, specifically the mounts of the central exhaust pipe's end.

      Racing Bulls

      The team from Faenza reported a revised configuration of the front suspension parts (see above), as well as additional aerodynamic elements that have appeared on the rear wing – referring to a new adjustable element and "central winglets" that generate additional downforce.

      Aston Martin F1

      On the AMR26, the position of the steering rods has been changed, additional vents have appeared on the body parts for more effective cooling, and the exhaust pipe is positioned slightly differently, with its mounts redesigned, as they also affect downforce generation.

      Haas F1

      The American team reported similar modifications to the front suspension and rear wing as those reported by other teams, but also informed about the modernization of the rear safety structure that absorbs impact energy. However, this is not about changing its design, but rather that an additional aerodynamic element has appeared on its upper part.

      Audi F1

      The factory team Audi reports not only about modifications to the front and rear wings due to the removal of active aerodynamic systems but also about changes to the design of the rearview mirrors and the revised geometry of the engine cover and upper safety hoop.

      The explanation is as follows: "At this stage of the season, a new safety hoop and engine cover of a new design are presented – to significantly improve the efficiency of cooling systems."

      Alpine F1

      New additional winglets have appeared on the rear wing of the A526, which is "part of the ongoing season-long program to upgrade the rear wing" and serves to further enhance aerodynamic efficiency.

      Cadillac

      On the cars of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas, upgraded rear wings with differently configured end plates have been installed – to create additional downforce in this area of the car, which also increases the sensitivity of the entire aerodynamic package to changes in settings.

      The geometry of the exhaust pipe and the mounts of its rear part have been changed, which is also done to improve aerodynamic efficiency.