FIA confirms unprecedented five straight mode activation zones at Spa as Ferrari eyes Belgian GP advantage
Although the Belgian Grand Prix weekend has yet to officially begin, one of the most important technical details has already been confirmed. The FIA has published the official straight mode activation map for Spa-Francorchamps, revealing a record-breaking five separate sections where Formula 1 drivers will be permitted to activate the low-drag aerodynamic configuration.
The decision represents one of the most significant circuit-specific adjustments introduced under Formula 1’s new technical regulations and could prove particularly beneficial for Ferrari, whose SF-26 has consistently demonstrated excellent aerodynamic efficiency and low-drag characteristics throughout the current season.
As Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc prepare to tackle one of the most demanding circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, the revised active aerodynamics configuration could become an important factor in Ferrari’s fight at the front.
Spa presents Formula 1’s biggest energy management challenge
Spa-Francorchamps has always occupied a special place in Formula 1. Often described as the “University of Formula 1,” the legendary Belgian venue combines high-speed straights, dramatic elevation changes and some of the most iconic corners in motorsport, making it one of the toughest technical tests for both drivers and engineers.
This year’s event introduces an additional layer of complexity. For the first time, the latest generation of Formula 1 cars and power units will tackle the famous seven-kilometre circuit through the Ardennes Forest. Engineers have spent months preparing simulations, aware that Spa presents unique challenges under the current regulations, particularly regarding electrical energy deployment and battery recovery.
The greatest concern revolves around energy management across the lap. Unlike many modern circuits, Spa contains several extended full-throttle sections interrupted by relatively few heavy braking zones. Since significant battery regeneration mainly occurs under braking, teams must carefully manage when to harvest energy and when to deploy it.
The opening sector highlights this challenge perfectly. Apart from the heavy braking required for La Source hairpin, there are very few opportunities to recharge the battery before drivers launch into one of Formula 1’s most famous sequences: Eau Rouge, Raidillon and the long Kemmel Straight.
If electrical energy is exhausted too early, drivers risk suffering severe power clipping before reaching the end of Kemmel, dramatically reducing top speed and leaving themselves vulnerable to overtaking.
FIA introduces record number of straight mode zones
To minimise those concerns and improve the effectiveness of the new aerodynamic systems, the FIA has approved an unprecedented configuration of straight mode activation zones for the Belgian Grand Prix.
Never before this season have drivers been allowed to activate the low-drag aerodynamic mode in as many as five separate sections of a single circuit. The first two activation zones are located in Sector 1.
The opening zone begins immediately after La Source and continues along the start-finish straight until the approach to Eau Rouge, allowing drivers to maximise acceleration before one of Formula 1’s most iconic corners.
Following the climb through Eau Rouge and Raidillon, drivers will once again be permitted to activate straight mode for the entire Kemmel Straight, one of the longest full-throttle sections anywhere on the Formula 1 calendar. The second sector tells a very different story.
Here, the FIA has deliberately chosen not to introduce any straight mode activation areas. The reasoning is straightforward: Pouhon remains one of the fastest and most demanding corners in Formula 1, and tackling it without maximum aerodynamic downforce would introduce an unacceptable level of risk. Instead of deploying battery energy through this part of the lap, teams are expected to prioritise energy recovery, ensuring that drivers arrive at the final sector with sufficient electrical power available.
The final activation sequence takes place in Sector 3.
Drivers will be able to use straight mode along the high-speed run towards Blanchimont before briefly returning the rear wing to its high-downforce configuration through the fast sequence between Turns 16 and 17. Once clear of those corners, the system can be activated again for the final sprint towards the Bus Stop chicane, creating another valuable overtaking opportunity before the lap concludes.
Why the new Spa layout could favour Ferrari
The FIA’s decision could work particularly well for Ferrari.
Throughout the current Formula 1 season, Ferrari has continued refining the aerodynamic efficiency of the SF-26, progressively reducing drag while maintaining competitive levels of downforce. That philosophy has allowed the Italian team to maximise straight-line performance without sacrificing too much cornering speed.
With five separate straight mode activation zones available around Spa, Ferrari’s low-drag package could become even more effective. The layout should allow Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc to optimise battery deployment across the lap while taking full advantage of the car’s aerodynamic efficiency during the circuit’s numerous high-speed sections.
Equally important will be Ferrari’s ability to manage energy harvesting effectively during the middle portion of the lap, ensuring both drivers have sufficient electrical power available for the crucial final sector. As always at Spa-Francorchamps, outright pace alone will not determine the outcome. Efficient battery management, aerodynamic efficiency and intelligent deployment strategies are all expected to play decisive roles.
With the FIA introducing the most extensive straight mode configuration seen so far this season, Ferrari could arrive at the Belgian Grand Prix with a valuable opportunity to exploit one of the SF-26’s strongest characteristics.
Below is the FIA’s official Spa-Francorchamps circuit map showing all five straight mode activation zones for the Belgian Grand Prix.
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