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As Formula 1 lands in Montreal for Round 10 of the 2025 season, the technical story is one of refinements with purpose.
And while the update sheets might look modest, the development race beneath them is anything but.
McLaren, who’ve been setting the pace across multiple circuits all season, continues to lead by example, bringing a smart, circuit-specific package to Montreal. Red Bull remains consistent but cautious, while Ferrari, despite a moment of promise in Shanghai, has struggled to find rhythm or response with the SF-25.
Circuit Gilles Villeneuve is no ordinary test. It’s a low-grip, stop-start track that rewards stability under braking, traction on exit, and straight-line efficiency. With long full-throttle zones interrupted by slow corners and aggressive kerbs, the layout demands a finely balanced setup — soft enough for traction, stiff enough to ride the chicanes without bottoming out. Brake cooling is critical, and overtaking is possible — but only if DRS usage and deployment strategy are spot on.
The updates we’ve seen so far aren’t dramatic, but they’re telling. Whether it's McLaren’s effort to sharpen an already potent package, Mercedes patching thermal vulnerabilities, or Racing Bulls continuing their stealthy midfield climb, every change reflects a team either building on momentum or trying to recover it.
Analyzing the technical upgrades team-by-team
🧡 McLaren: Still Climbing — and Still Setting the Pace
McLaren didn’t arrive in Canada with momentum — they arrived with authority. They’ve been setting the pace across the season, not just responding to it. From high-speed tracks to tight technical circuits, the MCL39 has proven one of the most complete packages on the grid. The updates brought to Montreal aren’t to close a gap — they’re to stay ahead of it.
- Front Wing – Flow Conditioning
- Rear Wing – Medium Downforce Spec
- Front Suspension Geometry
Verdict: McLaren
They’re not chasing anyone — they’re setting the pace. These updates are part of a wider story: one of relentless refinement from a team that now looks comfortable leading the way.
🩶 Mercedes: Function Over Flash
- Brake Duct Enlargement – Circuit-Specific Cooling
- Floor Edge – Flow Conditioning
Verdict: Mercedes
The larger ducts aren’t just Canada-specific — they’re a symptom of a broader issue. Cooling remains a weak spot. However, Mercedes' floor tweak indicates that they're still striving for aero efficiency underneath.
💚 Aston Martin: Playing It Safe
- Front Brake Duct Exit – Circuit-Specific Cooling
Verdict: Aston Martin
Aston Martin isn’t performance chasing — they're about avoiding problems. That speaks to a car still lacking the margin to push the envelope.
💙 Alpine: Chasing Balance
- Front Wing Flap – Balance Range
Verdict: Alpine
Alpine is still looking for predictability. Smart adjustment — but indicative of a car that remains setup-sensitive.
🔵 Racing Bulls: Quiet Progress
- Front Wing Flap – Reduced Chord
- Rear Corner Winglet – Flow Conditioning
Verdict: Racing Bulls
No drama, no overreach — just clever refinements. Quiet progress that could pay off for the Racing Bulls.
🔴 Red Bull, Ferrari, Haas, Williams, Sauber: No Changes
Verdict: Red Bull
Red Bull's RB21 remains fast, but it’s unpredictable, and the team’s development pause suggests they’re still working out the kinks.
Verdict: Ferrari
Even Ferrari's Shanghai Sprint win with Hamilton was followed by a main race disqualification. Since then, the SF-25 has lacked edge. No updates in Montreal — and they’re falling behind.
Verdict: Haas, Williams, Sauber
Canada may be a hold point, but it could also mark the first signs of 2025 development being wound down. For teams like Williams with limited scoring potential, attention may already be shifting to 2026.
🔎 What to watch for in practice
- Whether McLaren widens their setup window with these updates
- If Mercedes manages thermal loads better this weekend
- Can Racing Bulls sneak into Q3 with improved balance
Looking for more F1 tech?
I hope you have enjoyed these insights into the technical world of F1! Check back every race week for more.
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See you all next time!
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