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Ferrari has gone quiet at Spa. After bringing updates to most of the opening nine rounds of the season, the Scuderia has arrived at the Belgian Grand Prix with no new developments on the SF-26 — a notable pause in a push that has drawn attention from right across the paddock.
Mercedes were the most vocal critics. After the Austrian Grand Prix, team principal Toto Wolff said he was 'a little bit surprised that Ferrari can throw these huge updates at the car in the way they do.' Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur fired back at Silverstone, calling the remarks ironic. 'When Red Bull is developing, or when Mercedes is developing, they are a genius — when we are developing, we are cheating,' Vasseur said. 'We didn't bring more parts than Red Bull or another one.' The spat adds an edge to a championship standings battle in which Ferrari sit second in the constructors on 255 points, 78 adrift of Mercedes' 333.
At Spa, it is Mercedes who are doing the developing. The championship leaders have updated both wings and introduced a new rear corner on the W17. McLaren have revised their rear wing endplate and assembly. Red Bull have ditched the so-called Macarena rear wing in favour of a more conventional design following Max Verstappen's recent crashes. Williams have brought a substantial package including a revised rear brake duct winglet, array and floor tweaks.
Racing Bulls lead the upgrade count with four new parts — engine cover, roll hoop, front corner and rear wing. Haas have a new front wing, front corner and beam wing. Audi have updated their rear wing and diffuser, and Alpine have reprofiled their Halo fairing with an additional winglet.