F1 Teams Bring Upgrades to Spa as Development Intensifies
Formula 1's teams arrived at Spa-Francorchamps with a combined 21 upgrades for the Belgian Grand Prix, highlighting how quickly development has continued during the first season of the sport's new technical regulations. With teams still searching for performance gains from their 2026 cars, the weekend provided another opportunity to introduce new parts and refine existing designs.
McLaren was among the teams attracting the most attention, bringing a new low-downforce rear wing designed to suit the unique demands of Spa. The team also became the final Mercedes-powered squad to introduce the manufacturer's upgraded power unit, which had already appeared with other customer teams earlier in the season. The changes were aimed at improving the car's performance and reliability as McLaren looked to close the gap at the front.
The nature of the Spa circuit makes aerodynamic efficiency particularly important. Teams must find a compromise between generating enough downforce for the track's corners while keeping drag low enough to remain competitive on its long straights. As a result, several teams focused on rear-wing and aerodynamic changes tailored specifically to the Belgian venue.
The large number of upgrades also reflects the importance of development during the opening year of the new regulations. Teams are still learning how to maximise their cars under the latest aerodynamic and power unit rules, making every race weekend an opportunity to test new concepts and gain an advantage.