Six F1 teams roll out tech upgrades ahead of Madrid race

• Courtesy of F1

Six Formula 1 teams have introduced technical upgrades for the 2026 Spanish Grand Prix as the championship prepares for its first race at Madrid’s new Madring circuit.

Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull Racing, Alpine and Cadillac submitted changes covering aerodynamic performance, circuit-specific adjustments and reliability, according to technical updates published by the FIA. The six teams declared a combined 10 changes for the Madrid weekend.

Ferrari made a minor modification to the rear suspension fairing profile of its SF-26, adjusting the loading distribution in an effort to restore load.

McLaren, meanwhile, added elements to its rear wing aimed at improving airflow around the mainplane and flap elements.

Mercedes brought three circuit-specific changes. The team reduced the span of the central winglet above the rear-wing flap to achieve a downforce level better suited to Madring, while also modifying its exhaust tailpipe and front brake drums.

Red Bull focused on reliability, making changes around the rear suspension and strengthening the floor bib. The team also added winglets downstream of the suspension fairings to restore aerodynamic load at the rear of the RB22.

Alpine optimized the forward floor board of its A526 to improve pressure distribution and airflow management, with the goal of generating more efficient local downforce.

Cadillac also targeted aerodynamic performance, changing the trailing-edge winglet of its rear-wing flap to generate additional load and stability. It also revised a diffuser vane near the rear to improve airflow through the outer floor channels.

The upgrades could play a role as teams tackle the Madring, a 5.414-kilometer, 22-corner circuit combining public roads and purpose-built sections. The inaugural Madrid race will run for 57 laps.

McLaren’s Lando Norris will start from pole after beating championship leader Kimi Antonelli by just 0.011 seconds in qualifying. Max Verstappen secured third on the grid.

The 2026 Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled to start at 3 p.m. Sunday in Madrid, or 9 p.m. Philippine time, giving Filipino F1 fans a late-evening race.