It is a very different Monza compared to the past, but it has not lost the high-speed track DNA. Even with the new generation of cars, the teams propose some specific adaptations for the Italian track, in search of better straight-line speed. This is the case for Ferrari, which presents a revised FTM, Mercedes, which relies on the low downforce package from Spa, and McLaren, equipped with the new H-Wing.
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The news from Ferrari and McLaren
The great effectiveness of the active aerodynamics of the current generation of cars means that the adaptation to the Brianza track is definitely less extreme than usual. While in the past teams were used to giving up up to 100 aerodynamic downforce points for the Italian race, with the new cars the configuration for Monza is not so different from the usual one. Despite this, the teams have still implemented some solutions to reduce aerodynamic drag and more.
An example is Ferrari, which has simplified the flaps mounted on the rear wheel groups of the SF-26. In addition to reducing local aerodynamic downforce, the modification also reduces the resistance of the floor, with which there is a close aerodynamic interaction with the elements mounted on the wheels. The Prancing Horse has also revised the FTM behind the exhaust, cut out in the central part. The goal is to favor the expulsion of hot gases, thus absorbing less power from the thermal engine, which can be redirected to the wheels, giving up some of the extra aerodynamic downforce guaranteed by the FTM. Finally, the Maranello team preferred to give up the three vertical partitions on the side of the floor intake section, in favor of a single-element configuration.
McLaren is also hunting for straight-line speed, aware that it is not on par with Mercedes on the straight despite having the same power unit. The standout novelty is the return of the inverted mobile wing, nicknamed H-Wing, distinguishing itself from Ferrari’s Macarena. The Woking team had already tested the solution during free practice in Hungary, refining it in the following months at the factory. The rear wing profiles, moreover, correspond to the low downforce version that had already been featured in Belgium. Finally, a general update to the MCL40 is worth noting, with tweaks made to the flow conduits in the floor intake section.
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Mercedes with the Spa package
The Silver Arrows also race at Monza in a slightly different configuration compared to Zandvoort. The W17s return to the low downforce package that debuted at Spa, but which the team then decided not to use due to the low grip conditions of the Ardennes track.
The lower downforce setup includes not only the rear wing but also a simplified version of the rear wheel flaps. Overall, the adaptations for the Italian race are not as extreme as in the past, but Monza continues to push engineers to find that bit of extra speed that can make the difference.
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