F1 | How the new partial active aero mode will work on the 2026 Formula 1 cars. The FIA has introduced a new partial active aerodynamics mode for the 2026 Formula 1 cars.

After months of uncertainty, an important update has emerged regarding the active aerodynamics of the 2026 Formula 1 cars, which will now be able to run even in wet conditions thanks to the introduction of a so-called partial mode.

The FIA appears to have identified a definitive solution for the active aerodynamics system planned for the 2026 cars, a topic that had raised significant concerns among designers and engineers. The introduction of active aerodynamics is not directly linked to the removal of the DRS, which will instead be replaced by the engine override mode, but is driven by two other key objectives.

Lowering the front and rear wing flaps will make it possible to reduce aerodynamic drag, helping to limit energy consumption for the new power units, which will feature reduced overall autonomy. This solution also allows a reduction in vertical load, decreasing the force pushing the car into the asphalt and, as a result, limiting wear on the floor.

Rain and the dead end of the 2026 cars

However, during the development phase, several questions emerged regarding the use of active aerodynamics, especially in critical conditions such as a wet track. Under the regulations, two modes are provided: Z mode, which corresponds to high aerodynamic load, and X mode, which represents low aerodynamic load.

The cars will be allowed, in FIA-designated zones, to lower the flaps on the straights during every lap, without having to comply with the old DRS rules.

Technical concerns arose from the awareness that, in wet conditions, using the low-downforce mode could be extremely dangerous, making the cars unstable. With the current generation of cars, the DRS is disabled in the rain, but the situation is more complex for the 2026 cars. It would seem intuitive to also ban flap lowering in 2026, yet this would reintroduce the two main issues mentioned earlier: excessively high power unit energy consumption and excessive wear of the floor.

As a result, designers and the FIA found themselves in a genuine dead end, with both available modes proving difficult to use in wet conditions.

The FIA finds a solution

For this reason, the governing body stepped in by identifying a new compromise solution. After evaluating several options, the FIA decided to introduce an additional configuration known as the partial mode. This mode, which can be activated when the race director deems it appropriate, involves opening the front wing flaps while keeping the rear wing flaps closed.

This choice is driven by the need to ensure an adequate level of car stability in challenging conditions, without excessively compromising energy autonomy and while reducing vertical loads in order to limit plank wear. In addition, the straight-line zones in which active aerodynamics can be activated will be shortened, with the aim of reducing both speeds and vertical loads.

If conditions become particularly extreme, the FIA will have the authority to temporarily ban the use of active aerodynamics altogether, until switching to the partial mode becomes viable. Despite the many uncertainties, the FIA’s commitment to making the new regulations a success appears tangible, and anticipation is growing to see the new 2026 cars finally take to the track.