Formula 1 Grand Prix racing’s chiefs are taking into consideration the possibility of using active aero starting with the 2026 Formula One season, when a new set of rules is set to be introducing.
The idea was initially seen as a way of helping improve fuel efficiency, given the fact that cars would be able to have low drag configuration for the straights and would later use a high downforce configuration during the slow sections of the track.
However, the sport is now considering a further step and wants to use active aero with the goal of improving the on track show. The plan would most likely be seen as an opportunity to replace the current DRS system but still help improve the pace of the cars behind, through either less wing on the straights or even more in the corners.
Yet on the table there is also the possibility of using it as a way of holding back the driver which is leading the race, in order to prevent the race leader from building a huge cap at the top. Formula 1’s managing director of motorsport Ross Brawn, who will soon step down from his position in Formula 1, has confirmed that some thought is being evaluated to maybe use it as a means of reducing the downforce of race leaders to make sure they cannot break clear so easily.
In a recent interview for Autosport, a global motorsport publishing brand headquartered based in Richmond, London, Ross Brawn confirmed that Formula One bosses had started to discuss other possibilities regarding the use of active aero: “One of the big things about the 2026 car is whether we have active aerodynamics,” said Ross Brawn. “I think that’s an efficiency step which is very appealing.”
“It’s still got to be sorted to see how that can be done, and if it can be done safely and predictably. But, active aerodynamics, we semi have them at the moment with DRS, as DRS is active aerodynamics. But can you do something much more significant? If you have active aerodynamics, then of course you could affect the car in front. You could have a proximity [that] once you get within a certain degree, the car in front loses a little bit of downforce and you gain a little bit of downforce. There’s tricks you can play with that. It becomes an opportunity. I’m not saying we would do that, but it becomes an opportunity. So, the 2026 car is lessons learned from what we have now and I think we’ll incorporate some form of active aerodynamics.” – the former Ferrari boss explained.
This active aero plan, which could be seen as a ‘reverse DRS’ concept given its goal of limiting the aerodynamic performance of a Formula 1 single-seater, still has to be thoroughly analyzed before deciding on its introduction from 2026. However, Ross Brawn said a team of experts at the FIA, which includes head of aerodynamics Jason Sommerville who has moved across from Formula 1, were fully ready to take into consideration all the aspects and evaluate the overall implications.
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“We concluded in the end that was better placed under the FIA, because they would have total access to data,” – Ross Brawn aid regarding Jason Sommerville’s activity – “There’d be no confidentially concerns. Not that there were, but now we’re in the implementation phase, Jason and his people need to see real car data. And within the FIA they can do that. They’re very committed to raceability. I sometimes get a text… like in the sprint in Brazil, Jason texted me [saying]: ‘Fantastic race, really pleased to see the cars racing so well,’ and this sort of stuff. So, they’re passionate about making sure we have raceable cars now. They’ve seen the light.” – the former Ferrari boss concluded.
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