Crucial range of F1 upgrades unveiled at Imola

With the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix being the first European race of the 2024 Formula 1 season, it was expected that teams would unveil major upgrades at the venue that rests close to their bases.

The upgrades offer a chance for teams to make a step forward in the pecking order and set the tone for the remainder of the season.

Imola hosts the seventh round of the campaign, with McLaren entering the round looking to continue its race-winning form from Miami last time out.

It defeated Red Bull in a straight fight as the reigning world champions suffered its second defeat in six races.

However, Red Bull is looking to regain its advantage at the front of the field this weekend with the introduction of new parts.

Red Bull has unveiled a new front wing and floor to the RB20 in a bid for added performance.

The rear wheel bodywork has also been revised to improve cooling around the Imola circuit, while the nose of the car has been refined for the race weekend.

Its rival Ferrari, who won in Australia, will also run a major upgrade package after it made its on-track debut at a filming day from Fiorano last week.

Both the front and rear wing have been upgraded for the event, while the sidepod and engine cover have been reworked. The floor of the car, as well as the diffuser at the rear, have also received modifications as the Italian squad hope to impress on home soil.

Mercedes introduced an upgrade last time out in Miami with further developments added to the car for Imola.

The floor has been upgraded, while attention has also been directed to the back of the car with the rear and beam wings undergoing changes. 

Following its major upgrade in Miami, McLaren has brought circuit-specific changes to the rear and beam wing to reduce drag.

Oscar Piastri will also be fitted with the entire upgraded package after running roughly 50 per cent of the elements last time out.

Perhaps the biggest upgrade of the event has come from Aston Martin, who has revised several areas of the car as it aims to keep up in the top five fight in the constructors' championship.

At the head of the car, the front wing and nose have been altered, while the floor body has been evolved along with the fences and edges.

The diffuser at the rear of the car has been modified to improve performance, while the engine cover has been trimmed to improve cooling.

The fairings at the rear suspension have been altered while the inlet area of the rear corner has received revisions.

Elsewhere, Alpine has brought an upgraded floor that will be tested on Friday, while Williams too has targeted introduced a new floor to target weight reduction - a key area that has hampered the team in recent seasons.

Haas has introduced a new front wing endplate, a modified rear suspension and rear corner while Stake has changed the floor fences.

RB is the only team that has not listed upgrades for the weekend from Imola.