Strategy

Few Teams Bring Major Upgrades to Madring

Answer

Confirmed

Most F1 teams arrive at the new Madring circuit for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix with minimal or no major upgrades, prioritizing setup work and future packages over immediate development.

Limited Development at New Venue

The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix marks the debut of the Madring circuit in Madrid. Most teams have chosen not to introduce significant car developments for the event.^[1]

Mercedes stands out with one notable addition: a new rear winglet behind the exhaust, styled similarly to a Ferrari concept, aimed at increasing rear downforce and improving car control on the demanding layout. The team also reduced the chord of the central rear wing element.^[1]

McLaren brings a circuit-specific rear wing. Red Bull introduces two small floor changes focused on reliability rather than performance. Ferrari updates the profile on the upper wishbone covers of the rear suspension.^[1]

Aston Martin and Williams list no new parts. Other squads follow a similar conservative approach.^[1]

FP1 Context

George Russell topped the opening practice session for Mercedes, ahead of teammate Kimi Antonelli. Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton placed third and fourth.^[2]

Outlook

Further sessions will reveal how baseline cars perform as the track evolves. Many squads signal larger packages targeted for later events.^[1]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=POWPor2zfBU https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/fp1-russell-leads-antonelli-and-leclerc-as-cars-hit-madring-for-first-time.1CiLnqKjDFMohqIlyx5uAm