For the first time in Formula 1 history, a car has adopted an active drag reduction system. This marks a preview of the 2026 regulations, which will completely reshape the technical landscape compared to the current ground-effect wing car era.
Mercedes experiments with movable wings for F1 2026
During the end-of-season tests in Abu Dhabi, which also allow rookies to gain experience with different team procedures, Mercedes tested a mule car—the 2025 chassis modified to help Pirelli test the new 2026 tire compounds with proper context.
The tires themselves are changing alongside other components. Key updates involve the structure and size of the wheels to adapt compounds to the new cars. While the rims remain 18 inches, the tread width decreases by 30 mm at the rear and 25 mm at the front, with a reduction in diameter of 15 mm at the front and 10 mm at the rear.
Active aerodynamics on track at Yas Marina
Yesterday, Kimi Antonelli drove the Mercedes fitted with the new active front-wing system, a true innovation that will alter how teams think about aerodynamics. The mechanism operates in two modes: X-Mode for maximum downforce and Z-Mode for minimum drag.
Mechanics behind active aerodynamics and the dual modes
The Brackley team developed a “handcrafted” system to simulate the effect. Blue-highlighted tubes channel hydraulic fluid, which powers the actuator rotating the profiles under high forces. The flap experiences downward pressure from the fluid mass, making in-motion adjustment complex.
The tubes exit a small duct on the W16 nose, designed to capture fluid that would otherwise stagnate. It’s important to note that the 2026 technical regulations will not allow visible ducts on race cars.
The driver activates the system via a steering wheel button, opening a valve in the hydraulic system. High-pressure fluid pushes a small piston in the actuator, which then operates a rocker arm to lift the movable flap physically.
Driving challenges with the new active wing system
Currently, the test flap is a single element, though future cars are expected to have two movable elements. This experimental setup provides drivers with initial exposure to the system, helping them adapt to the new handling dynamics.
Activating or deactivating the system will cause significant load changes on the car, adding a new variable for setup optimization. Teams will need to integrate this variable into their software, understand its impact on overall car setup, and strategically exploit it to maximize performance on track.
Leave a Reply