Rain seems to be at odds with F1 2026. Active aerodynamics do not interact well with wet tracks, creating at least three potentially harmful scenarios: poor car stability, difficulties managing hybrid energy, and extra wear on the skid block. The FIA has studied an intermediate mode to address these issues, but on paper it offers no guarantees. Here’s how and why these problems arise.
Instability threatens driver safety
One of the biggest novelties of the new F1 regulations is active aerodynamics. The DRS system, which previously modified the car’s aerodynamic drag in real time, is gone. In its place, both axles will feature straight and cornering modes to reduce drag by about 50%, making cars only 3% slower than in 2025.
The crucial point is this: in straight-line mode, both wings’ angles are reduced simultaneously to lower downforce on straights. This, however, creates complications, first and foremost with car balance. Activating low-drag mode shifts the aerodynamic center of pressure toward the rear. As a result, the front axle carries less vertical load, producing significant instability. On a wet track with reduced grip, this instability could become extremely dangerous for drivers.
Active aero on wet tracks: excessive floor travel and extra skid block wear
The second potential problem is regulatory. In a wet race, race control could ban straight-line low-drag mode—similar to the 2025 rule where DRS was prohibited in rain. Using high-downforce settings on straights increases ground pressure on the car, risking excessive wear on the skid block under the floor.
Previously, cars with movable rear wings (wing cars) had floor heights carefully simulated in long runs. The 2026 cars will experience more extreme compression between high- and low-load modes than the old rear wing could produce. To maintain safety, teams may need to run excessively high ride heights, which could compromise performance.
F1 2026, hybrid energy management becomes complicated
Another challenge arises when straight-line mode is used on a wet track. Drivers and engineers face significant headaches managing battery energy. Hybrid systems need a consistent flow of recovered power. If a high-downforce mode must be used on even part of a wet race, increased aerodynamic drag disrupts hybrid energy strategies, causing extra consumption of energy from the MGU-K, which is already difficult to store effectively.
FIA proposes an interim solution, but doubts remain
In summary, these three problems—instability, extra skid block wear, and hybrid energy strain—mainly appear in wet conditions with straight-line mode activated, negatively affecting car performance and handling. This was not anticipated initially, and the FIA only introduced a potential solution in recent days.
The FIA suggests an intermediate wet configuration, where both wings reduce drag only partially instead of fully in straight-line mode. It is still unclear whether this will be sufficient to manage all three issues at once. To test its effectiveness, the FIA has scheduled private sessions in Barcelona to evaluate the solution and, if necessary, develop alternative approaches.
And you? What do you think about the wet conditions highlighting key issues with car stability, hybrid energy management, and floor wear? Let us know with a comment at the end of the article or on our social media channels: Facebook Group / Facebook Page / Instagram / X (former Twitter) and TikTok.
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