F1 | FIA takes a risk for 2026: green light for active aerodynamics in the wet raises safety concerns. The FIA’s decision to allow active aerodynamics on the 2026 Formula 1 cars even in wet conditions.

FIA’s 2026 gamble: active aerodynamics in the rain spark fears over driver safety

The FIA is facing growing criticism over how it plans to manage active aerodynamics on the 2026 Formula 1 cars, as rain and wet conditions appear to be one of the biggest challenges for the new system. With the debut of the next-generation cars getting closer, the regulations remain unclear, and teams are becoming increasingly worried about the potential safety risks and technical inconsistencies.

In recent weeks, several concerns have emerged about how the new F1 cars will behave in rainy conditions — mainly for two key reasons. First, the 2026 power units will feature a much larger electrical component, with reduced autonomy compared to the current engines. To compensate for this, the FIA introduced active aerodynamics, designed to cut drag and therefore improve energy efficiency. This system will allow the cars to lower aerodynamic load on straights, reducing drag and vertical downforce, which in turn helps limit floor wear and improve overall performance.

The problem arises when the track is wet. Using the so-called “X Mode” — the low downforce setting — in the rain would be extremely dangerous, as reducing aerodynamic load at high speed on a slippery surface could cause serious instability. However, banning active aerodynamics in wet conditions would also create other issues, such as reduced energy efficiency and excessive wear on the car’s floor. In short, both configurations — “Z Mode” (high downforce) and “X Mode” (low downforce) — present significant risks under certain conditions.

Active aerodynamics in the wet: teams push for flexibility

According to f1ingenerale, teams have requested permission to use active aerodynamics even in rainy conditions. The idea has already been discussed, and one of the proposed compromises would involve locking the rear wing in place while allowing a partial, 50% opening of the front wing.

The reasoning is that the 2026 cars, when running in full high-downforce mode, could generate so much vertical load that the floor might touch the track surface, dramatically increasing the risk of aquaplaning. Allowing the front wing to open slightly — around 50% — would lighten the car just enough to prevent the floor from bottoming out. However, this solution could also create aerodynamic imbalance between the front and rear of the car.

Such an imbalance might lead to temperature differences between the front and rear tyres, potentially affecting grip and wear. Despite this, teams reportedly aren’t too concerned about that specific issue, viewing it as a manageable trade-off compared to the risks of excessive downforce on wet surfaces.

Another issue under discussion concerns how teams would manage changing weather conditions during the race. One idea being considered is allowing manual adjustment of the front wing opening — to the 50% setting — during pit stops, specifically when switching to wet or intermediate tyres.

As of now, the FIA has not made a final decision. The matter remains under evaluation, but time is running short, and teams are urging the governing body to provide clarity as soon as possible. With less than a year to go before the 2026 cars make their debut, the need to finalize safe and effective active aerodynamic regulations is becoming increasingly urgent.