TLDR;
This Tech Talk episode focuses on the aerodynamic upgrades and modifications teams are making to their cars for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, despite the limitations of aerodynamic testing restrictions and the cost cap. Teams like Red Bull and McLaren are cleverly using existing parts and trimming them to suit the track's unique demands, balancing downforce and drag for optimal performance in cold conditions. The episode also touches on the strategic decisions teams are making regarding car setup and tire management in the face of the challenges posed by the Las Vegas circuit's layout and the cold desert environment.
- Red Bull and McLaren are modifying existing front and rear wings by trimming them to reduce drag and optimise performance for the Las Vegas track.
- The cold temperatures in Las Vegas pose a challenge for tire and engine temperature management, influencing car setup decisions.
- Teams are balancing the need for downforce to generate tire temperature with the desire for low drag to maximise speed on the long straights.
We have updates! [0:00]
Despite aerodynamic testing restrictions and a cost cap, teams are introducing upgrades for the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Some upgrades involve reconfiguring existing parts rather than creating entirely new ones. The episode starts by comparing Red Bull's front wing at the Italian Grand Prix (Monza) with the one used in Las Vegas, noting significant differences in the shape and trim of the upper element.
Red Bull get the scissors out [0:53]
Red Bull introduced a different front wing for the Las Vegas Grand Prix compared to the one used at Monza. The top element of the wing is trimmed down significantly. This trimming is a strategic decision driven by aerodynamic test restrictions and cost cap considerations. Teams are avoiding the expense of developing new parts by modifying existing ones to suit the specific demands of the Las Vegas track.
Paul Monaghan explains all [2:55]
Paul Monaghan explains that Red Bull is trimming the third and fourth elements of the front wing to shed load at the front of the car, balancing the expected low rear wing level for the event. This modification is a reaction to recent races and involves a well-established process of estimating the required rear wing and aero balance. By modifying existing front wing flap specifications, they can achieve the desired configuration for Las Vegas.
Way too cool [4:20]
Las Vegas is a very fast circuit with long straights and slow corners, presenting unique challenges. The race takes place in November in the Nevada desert at night, making it the coldest race on the Formula 1 calendar. This extreme cold has significant implications for car setup, particularly regarding tire and engine temperature management.
McLaren cutting back [8:00]
McLaren is also making modifications to its front and rear wings for Las Vegas. A significant cutout is visible on the upper surface of the front wing, achieved through precise development in CFD and wind tunnel testing. The rear wing also features a cutaway top section to reduce aerodynamic drag. Lando Norris used the Monza specification wing during free practice, while Oscar Pastri used the trimmed wing, indicating the team is experimenting with different setups.
Neil Houdley on wings [10:27]
Neil Houdley from McLaren explains that the team has rear wing flap trim options and front wing trim options to maintain car balance. The decisions on flap configuration are based on top speed and driver feedback. These modifications involve trimming existing parts to different profiles, utilising available resources at short notice. The challenge is finding a setup that allows drivers to navigate slow corners effectively while maintaining speed on the straights, often requiring compromises that may not fully satisfy the drivers.
Outro [13:24]
Despite only three races remaining in the 2025 season, the technical battle continues as teams push development to the limit before the new regulations take effect. The episode concludes by highlighting the strategic decisions teams are making to optimise their cars for the unique demands of the Las Vegas circuit, balancing downforce, drag, and tire management in the face of cold temperatures and a challenging track layout.
