Technical Updates: 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix
Nine of ten teams have unveiled new elements for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which...
Nine of ten teams have unveiled new elements for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, which kicks off a tripleheader that also includes Doha and Abu Dhabi, as the 2024 Formula 1 season nears its conclusion. With limited development time available across the grid, teams have focused on specific upgrades tailored to the high-speed, low-downforce demands of the Las Vegas circuit. Williams is the only team not bringing new parts, as they concentrated their efforts on repairing extensive damage sustained during the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Red Bull Racing
Red Bull has introduced a new front wing and updated floor fences to further enhance floor performance. Additionally, the team has made changes to the bodywork, lowering the slope behind the side pods for better aerodynamic flow. Rear suspension modifications have been paired with updates to rear winglets for improved airflow management, and mirror housing designs have been refined to reduce drag.
McLaren
McLaren brought an updated front wing specifically designed for the Las Vegas circuit, aiming to optimise aerodynamic efficiency on straights while maintaining stability in corners.
Mercedes
Mercedes has introduced a track-specific front wing that aligns with their efforts to maximise straight-line speed at this circuit.
Ferrari
Ferrari has made more extensive changes, including updates to the floor fences and reshaped floor edges to improve downstream airflow. The body volume of the front section of the floor has been optimised, alongside tweaks to floor edges and vortex generation near the diffuser, for enhanced overall aerodynamic performance.
Aston Martin
Aston Martin followed the trend of introducing a Las Vegas-specific front wing designed to enhance top speed and suit the unique demands of this high-speed circuit.
Alpine
Alpine has focused on the front corner, implementing a newly designed brake drum shape and refining build quality to enhance airflow management and durability.
AlphaTauri
AlphaTauri brought several updates, including redesigned bodywork on the engine cover, resulting in a lower slope behind the side pods. Rear suspension tweaks and updated rear winglets have been added for improved aerodynamic efficiency.
Alfa Romeo (branded as Stake)
The stake has implemented significant updates, including a completely new floor and diffuser. The main body of the floor has been restructured to optimise vortex control and reduce drag, significantly improving the car’s performance under low-ride height conditions.
Haas
Haas has refined the extended floor shape at the rear of the car, aiming to boost performance by enhancing airflow management and increasing efficiency at lower ride heights.
With these updates in place, teams are looking to make the most of Las Vegas’ unique challenges, particularly the long straights and low grip conditions. Each upgrade represents careful consideration of how to extract maximum performance in the final crucial races of the season.