F1 | Active front wing spotted on Mercedes during Abu Dhabi test for 2026 regulations. Mercedes appears on track in Abu Dhabi with an active-style front wing during the post-season tests.

Mercedes moves early: active aerodynamics already spotted in Abu Dhabi

Innovation is in the air during the post-season tests in Abu Dhabi, where Mercedes has been running with a modified front wing designed to simulate the regulations coming in 2026. Formula 1 never stops, and on track in the Brackley team’s mule car is Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who finished seventh in the standings in his rookie season. Alongside the evaluation of Pirelli’s new tyre range for next year, the W16 is also showing an intriguing detail.

After an extremely long season, it is still not holiday time for the teams in the paddock. The grid has stayed at Yas Marina for an intense day of testing organised by Pirelli. The goal is to collectively test the new 2026 compounds using cars that have been adapted specifically to replicate the upcoming regulations. At the same time, the rookies are also on track, driving the teams’ regular 2025 machinery.

Every team has been experimenting with independent solutions to meet this objective. Early reports from the pit lane have already revealed some notable previews. According to Chris Medland, who captured several images of Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s car, the Italian’s W16 is fitted with an “active” front wing. Ferrari is believed to be trialling a similar concept as well.

Active front wing: Mercedes begins 2026-style testing

The German team has put the Bologna-born driver behind the wheel of the mule car, while Frederik Vesti is driving the official W16. On Antonelli’s car, the detail of the “active” front wing is clearly visible, simulating the different modes the drivers will be allowed to use from 2026 onwards.

To reduce aerodynamic load and increase top speed on the straights, drivers will be able to activate the so-called X-Mode: with flattened flaps, the car will reach extremely high maximum speeds. Conversely, when extra downforce is needed, drivers will switch to Z-Mode, which is expected to deliver greater grip through the corners.

The future of Formula 1 just took its first public breath – and it happened in the Abu Dhabi desert heat on a quiet Tuesday in December.