Are any teams bringing upgrades to F1 2024 Saudi Arabian GP?

Amidst the off-track drama and controversies that have dominated headlines in the 2024 F1 season, the anticipation for the upcoming Saudi Arabian GP continues to build. Following a lacklustre start in Bahrain, where Max Verstappen’s dominance in his Red Bull overshadowed the on-track action, attention has shifted to the potential upgrades teams may bring to the Jeddah circuit.

 However, the drama off the track, including calls for Christian Horner’s removal from Red Bull and investigations into race results, has added an extra layer of intrigue to the upcoming race weekend. 

As Formula 1 gears up for the Saudi Arabian GP, fans are eager to see how teams will respond with upgrades and strategies.

Aston Martin: Aiming for Improvement

Aston Martin are gearing up for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix with plans to introduce upgrades to their Formula 1 car. Team Principal Mike Krack has hinted at “some small developments” in preparation for the upcoming race, as the team sets its sights on competitors McLaren and Mercedes.

Krack has also stated, “[For Jeddah] we will have some small developments to improve the car. And we hope that we can be closer. And then we have to see if Fernando can pull another lap out like yesterday; that will help us to come more forward.”

Despite a modest start to the season opener in Bahrain, where both Aston Martin cars finished in the points with Fernando Alonso securing ninth place and Lance Stroll following closely in tenth, the team is keen to make strides forward.

Krack expressed confidence in the team’s development progress, noting that the enhancements made in Bahrain are just the beginning.

Acknowledging the fierce competition in Formula 1, Krack emphasized the team’s focus on narrowing the gap with front-runners McLaren and Mercedes.

Additionally, the team unveiled a new official FIA Safety Car for F1, based on the all-new 2025 Vantage, showcasing their commitment to excellence both on and off the track.

A hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with 30% more power than its predecessor is one of the 2025 Vantage Safety Car’s outstanding performance qualities. The Safety Car has been improved inside and out, and this puts it in a better position to respond safely and quickly when used on tracks.

As Aston Martin prepares to showcase its upgrades and debut the new Safety Car at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, fans can anticipate an exciting display of speed, skill, and innovation on the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.

McLaren: ‘Noticeable’ Upgrades on the Horizon

McLaren‘s team principal, Andrea Stella, hints at ‘noticeable’ upgrades for the MCL38 car throughout the season. Following a strong showing in Bahrain, where Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri scored valuable points, McLaren aims to bridge the gap with front-runners Ferrari and Red Bull.

Stella suggests that the upgrades will be noticeable, focusing on both mechanical and aerodynamic improvements. These changes aim to enhance balance, provide more setup options, and increase overall efficiency.

Comparing their performance to last year, Stella highlights McLaren’s considerable improvement in outright pace, particularly in one-lap speed. Despite historical challenges at the Bahrain circuit, McLaren has made strides in aerodynamics, focusing on improving grip in low-speed corners.

With McLaren’s track record of in-season development, fans can anticipate an exciting evolution of the MCL38, potentially elevating the team’s competitiveness and challenging for podium finishes throughout the season.

Mercedes: Renewed Focus and Flexibility

Mercedes is set to reveal some exciting changes to its Formula 1 car just in time for the 2024 Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Driver George Russell is feeling good about these upgrades, saying they’ve fixed some big issues from the past.

Despite finishing fifth in Bahrain, Russell noted a significant improvement in the car’s performance compared to previous years. He emphasized that the car now feels more like a race car and provides the flexibility to be more aggressive with setup adjustments.

“Maybe we’ll have a surprise when we go to Jeddah next week, but I’m confident that this is much more, it feels more like a race car,” he mentioned in an interview.

Mercedes Technical Director James Allison highlighted the team’s focus on dialing out the “spiteful” rear-end traits of its previous model. One notable change is the altered front suspension configuration tested during pre-season, indicating the team’s ambitious developments.

2021: Hamilton2022: Verstappen2023: Checo 2024: ❓ #SaudiArabianGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/xkieMMu2jP

— Formula 1 (@F1) March 5, 2024

“And we’ve got a number of items for this car that will give us that flexibility to tune it and you know we go to Jeddah next week – totally different circuit, faster circuit, lower downforce circuit, higher grip circuit, let’s see what that brings,” he stated.

With a renewed focus on performance and flexibility, Mercedes aims to compete at the highest level and challenge for podium finishes in the upcoming races.

Haas: Building on Positive Momentum

After an impressive performance at the Bahrain Grand Prix, Haas F1 is gearing up for further advancements as they prepare for the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Team principal Ayao Komatsu expressed confidence in the team’s recent progress, particularly in addressing tire management issues that plagued them last season.

Komatsu reflected on the team’s positive trajectory, stating, “If somebody told me before we ran the car this year that we are fighting for points in race one, I wouldn’t expect that.” He highlighted the significant gains made in the development of the VF-24 despite facing challenges during the design process.

Discussing Nico Hulkenberg’s strong qualifying result and Kevin Magnussen’s solid race performance, Komatsu emphasized the team’s improved competitiveness. He noted, “We can race this year now in the midfield. It’s just there’s no margin. So everything has to be perfect – which we didn’t completely do today – so we can score points. But yeah, very positive.”

Looking ahead to the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Komatsu acknowledged the unique challenges posed by the Jeddah circuit. Despite this, he remains optimistic about the team’s prospects, stating, “I’m sure we’re going to struggle more.” However, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to build on their recent success and make further strides in the upcoming race.

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