McLaren, Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo reveal biggest upgrade packages

Lando Norris in Miami — Photo: © LAT Images

Spanish Grand Prix

McLaren, Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo reveal biggest upgrade packages

Majority of teams all have new parts on their cars for Spain

Ian Parkes

Friday 20 May 2022 12:07

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McLaren has unveiled the biggest upgrade package ahead of this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix, followed closely by Aston Martin and Alfa Romeo.

In total, there are 10 updated components on the MCL36 that includes a new front wing, front suspension, front corner, floor body, coke/engine cover, cooling louvres, rear wing, rear corner, sidepod inlet and diffuser.

It was always anticipated the teams would unveil a raft of updates for the race at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona as that has traditionally been the way in F1.

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McLaren, however, has opted for a major overhaul of its car, the performance of which has been track dependent so far this season, with the aim to ensure it can adapt to all circuits.

On the Aston Martin AMR 22s there is a new floor body, floor fences and floor edges, along with a sidepod inlet, coke/engine cover, cooling louvres, rear wing and halo, the latter now possessing a vane on top of the component and at the rear where it is attached to the chassis.

At Alfa Romeo, its cars now have a new front wing and suspension, coke/engine cover, floor body, cooling louvres, rear suspension and rear wing.

Championship leader Ferrari was expected to deliver its first major upgrade for this event, and like the majority of the others teams there is a new floor body, along with a new rear corner and rear wing.

The floor, in particular, has been targeted to improve the overall aerodynamic performance through the entire car operating envelope.

On Red Bull's RB18s there is a new front wing and floor body, while the Mercedes W13s now possess a new floor body, rear corner, floor edge and front-wing endplate.

Alpine has focused its attention on a new rear wing and corner, while there is also a new rear wing on the AlphaTauri AT03 and Williams FW44, the latter also incorporating a new front wing and rear corner.

Haas is the only team that has opted against updates, with team principal Guenther Steiner suggesting a package will not be introduced until the French Grand Prix.