Suzuka is easily one of the most demanding circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. If a team wants to survive the high-speed S curves and long straights, their aerodynamic efficiency needs to be perfectly dialed in. With the 2026 Japanese Grand Prix weekend now underway, the FIA has released the upgrades a number of teams have brought to Suzuka.
Red Bull and Ferrari Push for More Aerodynamic Load
Oracle Red Bull Racing: The Milton Keynes squad brought a surprisingly hefty package to Japan. Red Bull has introduced a revised sidepod inlet and adjusted the surrounding engine cover bodywork. According to the team, this change allows the sidepods to ingest higher-pressure air, improving cooling efficiency. Because they changed the sidepods, they also had to revise the upper surface of the floor to match, which ultimately generates more aerodynamic load. Finally, to handle Suzuka’s heavy braking zones, they slightly modified the rear brake ducts.
Scuderia Ferrari HP: Ferrari took a highly calculated risk this weekend by reducing the inboard exit area of their front brake ducts. They are actively trading off a bit of brake cooling capacity in exchange for better external aerodynamic flow. The Scuderia also brought a minor geometric update to the front floor stay fairing to improve local flow features under the car.
The Midfield: Aston Martin, Alpine, and Cadillac
Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team: Aston Martin focused on load distribution at the front of the car. They shortened the chord of the third front wing profile and raised the edge of the outboard footplate. Further back, they revised the floor leading edge devices to completely change how aerodynamic load is generated across the width of the floor.
BWT Alpine F1 Team: Alpine rolled up with a trio of aerodynamic updates. The front deflector has been redesigned to ensure consistent airflow across the car’s operating window. At the rear, they made local adjustments to the rear wing to extract more performance in both cornering and straight-line modes, and redesigned the lower section of the rear wing endplate to generate more local load.
Cadillac: The American team focused entirely on the rear of the car. They lowered the profile of the diffuser fence to improve ride height behavior and completely updated the central trailing edge profile of the diffuser to increase overall rear downforce.
Minor Tweaks for Williams and Haas
Atlassian Williams F1: Williams brought a very specific update to their front suspension. They introduced a revised set of external suspension claddings designed to package more efficiently around the internal structures, ensuring the suspension doesn’t mess with the airflow heading to the rear of the car.
TGR HAAS F1 TEAM: Haas simplified their front wing actuation system. By reducing the size of the external linkages, they decreased aerodynamic blockage, which cleans up the airflow directed toward the floor and rear wing.
The Teams That Brought Nothing
Four teams submitted no updates for the Japanese Grand Prix:
- McLaren Mastercard F1 Team
- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
- Visa Cash App Racing Bulls
- Audi Revolut F1 Team
Image Source: SUZUKA, JAPAN – MARCH 27: Liam Lawson of New Zealand driving the (30) Visa Cash App Racing Bulls VCARB 03 RB Ford on track during practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Japan at Suzuka Circuit on March 27, 2026 in Suzuka, Japan. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202603270070 // Usage for editorial use only /
