The team will introduce further aerodynamic updates at Monza as it looks to balance straight-line speed and energy efficiency under Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations, with Yuki continuing in place of the injured Isack.
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls will introduce further aerodynamic upgrades at this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix as the team prepares for the unique demands of Monza under Formula 1’s new 2026 regulations.
“We continue the European part of the 2026 season with the Italian GP in Monza – a home race for us here at VCARB,” Chief Technical Officer Tim Goss said.
“It’s known for its long straights, heavy braking zones, chicanes and the odd medium-to-high speed corners. It has traditionally been a circuit where teams have chosen a lower downforce level to better optimise the trade-off between cornering speeds and straight line speeds.
“However, with the substantial change of regulations for 2026, the circuit brings a whole new set of challenges.”
New challenge at Monza under 2026 regulations
Monza has traditionally required teams to pursue some of the lowest downforce configurations of the season, prioritising aerodynamic efficiency and top speed around a circuit dominated by long straights.
While those fundamental characteristics remain, this year’s increased reliance on electrical energy has added another consideration for teams attempting to maximise performance around the Italian circuit.
For VCARB, that means extracting as much efficiency as possible from both the power unit and chassis.
“The circuit characteristics still favour power unit performance and aerodynamic efficiency; but with the increased hybridisation this season, our focus will now be on optimising energy efficiency of the electrical component of the power unit to maximise speed on the straight,” Goss explained.
“For the chassis we will introduce some further aerodynamic upgrades; both aimed to uplift general performance and to improve the lift-to-drag ratio from cornering mode to straight mode.”
The upgrades will therefore have a dual purpose, with VCARB seeking an overall performance gain while also improving how efficiently the car transitions between the aerodynamic demands of corners and Monza’s lengthy flat-out sections.
That balance could be particularly important at a venue where any unnecessary drag can quickly translate into lost time along the straights.
Strategy could swing between one and two stops
Tyres will provide another variable for teams to manage throughout the weekend.
Pirelli has selected the C3, C4 and C5 compounds for Monza, representing the softest combination in its range.
VCARB expects all three compounds to be viable racing options, leaving the possibility of either a one or two-stop strategy depending on degradation.
“Pirelli bring the softest compound selection C3, C4, and C5, all of which should be raceable tyre options, and we believe the tyre strategy will be either a one stop or two stop depending on how well teams manage tyre degradation,” Goss said.
Friday practice will consequently provide teams with an important opportunity to understand tyre behaviour while simultaneously evaluating their Monza-specific configurations and, in VCARB’s case, its latest aerodynamic updates.
Yuki to continue as Isack recovers
VCARB will also continue with Yuki behind the wheel this weekend as Isack remains sidelined while recovering from a wrist injury.
Yuki stepped into the car last weekend and, according to Goss, impressed the team with how quickly he adapted.
“We are expecting a busy weekend working out how to extract the very best from the package,” Goss said.
“We have Yuki continuing to drive for us, as Isack is still recovering from his wrist injury. He adapted tremendously last week and we have no doubt he will do the same again this weekend.”
With new aerodynamic components to evaluate, the added energy-management demands of the 2026 cars and one of its regular drivers still recovering, VCARB heads into its home Grand Prix with plenty to work through.
