McLaren returned from the summer break in Zandvoort with a huge upgrade package, allowing them to definitively erase Red Bull’s advantage. However, with nine rounds left in 2024, there is still time for rivals to respond. Ferrari intend to do so. As previously reported by LWOS, Ferrari will debut their biggest upgrade package of the year at the Italian GP.
Ferrari introduces biggest 2024 upgrade package
Ferrari – 9 updates
Fred Vasseur’s team have brought a total of 9 upgrades to the Italian GP. These include 7 performance updates and 2 circuit-specific ones.
There are several key revisions to the SF-24, including to the floor session, suspension, diffuser and engine cover.
Ferrari have set a very clear objective for these updates – adding more downforce while avoiding the aerodynamic instability created by their Spanish GP package.
Achieving this will be central to the aspirations of Fred Vasseur’s team for the remainder of 2024.
Red Bull – 2 updates
The last few months have proven challenging for Red Bull, who are losing ground to McLaren in the development race.
Only a few updates are arriving to the RB20. This was largely anticipated, with the Austrian squad still working on solutions to their limitations.
For the time being, Red Bull’s focus will be optimising their current package.
McLaren – 3 updates
McLaren recorded the most upgrades last weekend in Zandvoort, but they have still managed to bring some innovations for the Italian GP.
This is consistent with the team’s development strategy for this season.
As outlined by team principal Andrea Stella, the aim for the remainder of 2024 is to aggressively bring updates to the track.
Considering their overall performance advantage, their immediate rivals (Ferrari in particular) will be eager to challenge the British team at a circuit less suited to the MCL38.
Mercedes – 2 updates
Toto Wolff’s team bring no major developments to the Italian GP, only making minor adjustments to the W15.
Mercedes are still working to understand their most recent update package – which made its racing debut in Zandvoort.
Whilst these upgrades generated more downforce, Mercedes wants to ensure this translates into usable performance and a drivable balance.
The midfield teams
Elsewhere on the grid, there are a few upgrades of note.
VCARB have brought 6 upgrades to Monza this weekend, including changes to the floor body and beam wing.
The Faenza-based team looks to recover from a poorly executed weekend in Zandvoort.
Aston Martin, Haas, Alpine, Sauber and Williams have brought a few circuit-specific updates to Monza this weekend.
