Formula 1 teams are preparing to present a new package of updates for the cars after the poor results obtained so far
The Formula 1 returns to Europe for the first time this season, with the long-time host of the San Marino GP, Imola, being the host of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. Despite having fallen out of favor in F1’s modern era, Imola’s return to the calendar during the COVID-affected 2020 season proved popular enough for the sport to return in 2021, before signing a deal. in the long term to keep the circuit on the calendar until 2025. Likewise, a new package of improvements is expected in equipment such as Ferrari.
The first five races of 2023 they have been mainly on street circuits, with the exception of the season opener in Bahrain. Imola represents the first ‘old-school’ challenge on the calendar, with gravel and grass traps lining the narrow strip of tarmac that twists through the northern Italian countryside.
Formula 1 spotlight improvements
With the first five races out of the way and back in Europa, most teams will be deploying update packages this weekend. It should be noted that some of them are quite important. Championship leaders Red Bull are not expected to have anything major for their RB19. Likewise, its main rivals will have big changes to their cars. Mercedes has been particularly effusive about its Imola upgrade package, having highlighted a new design direction they want to pursue with the W14. The changes have been discussed since pre-season testing, though the exact nature of their updates is yet to be confirmed.
Red Bull styling updates on Ferrari
It’s known that one of the changes will be in the design of their sidepods, which are expected to be substantially revised. Lewis Hamilton has made it clear that he is eagerly awaiting the updates, but team boss Toto Wolff has downplayed the importance of it. For its part, Ferrari will also be introducing a significant upgrade package.
The goal is to initiate an aerodynamic direction similar to Red Bull, with a new floor ready to be introduced. The Venturi tunnel has been completely changed to increase the ground effect load. So while a new rear suspension will be deployed to make the SF-23 less sensitive to changes in ride height. The Scuderia will also introduce RB19-style sidepods, but these won’t appear until the Spanish Grand Prix at the earliest.