Ferrari experiments with partial active aero mode during wet running. During the Barcelona shakedown, Ferrari tested the new Partial Active Aero Mode in wet conditions.

Ferrari had the opportunity to test the Partial Active Aero Mode, the configuration in which only the front wing opens on the straights in wet track conditions.

The second day of the closed-door shakedown currently taking place at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya saw just two teams on track, but there was no shortage of technical talking points and areas for analysis.

During the morning session, with Ferrari focused on data collection and mileage accumulation with the SF-26, Charles Leclerc completed his first laps on a wet surface using the Full Wet tyres that will be used during the 2026 Formula 1 season in extreme track conditions.

Over his many laps in the wet, the Monegasque driver was able to test the Partial Active Aero Mode, one of the key technical and sporting regulatory innovations introduced for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

While running on the main straight in Barcelona, Charles opened the front wing, causing the second and third elements to collapse. The rear wing, however, remained fully closed, exactly as prescribed by the regulations.

Active aerodynamics represents an evolution of the now-retired DRS (Drag Reduction System), which was used up until the end of the 2025 season. This new system is designed to make the cars more efficient on the straights, with the low-drag configuration also intended to reduce the need for electrical energy deployment.

The high-downforce configuration, on the other hand, has been developed for cornering. In this mode, both wings remain closed to ensure the correct level of aerodynamic load and strong performance through the non-straight sections of the circuit.

The third option, namely partial active aerodynamics, was introduced following the approval of the latest version of the regulations last December. Until that point, the rules stated that drivers were not allowed to use active aerodynamics in wet conditions. With the introduction of this new mode, drivers are now permitted to open the front wing while keeping the rear wing closed.

The need to open at least one wing stems from the desire to avoid excessive energy consumption on the straights, as well as to prevent too much aerodynamic load from pushing the car excessively towards the ground. Such a scenario could lead to excessive wear of the skid plank, potentially dropping it below the minimum thickness required by the regulations — a situation that would result in disqualification.

Partially active aerodynamics is expected to be used mainly in damp or mixed conditions, where speeds remain relatively high and energy consumption is still significant, while aerodynamic load continues to press the car down onto the track surface.

It should be remembered, however, that in the event of heavy rain or particularly wet track conditions, the race director will have the authority to completely deactivate active aerodynamics. This decision can be taken for safety reasons, ensuring greater grip for the cars even on the straights, and will be important in reducing the risk of aquaplaning.