FIA loophole inspires innovative wing solutions for Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco GP rule tweak sparks creative wing designs across the F1 grid.

FIA opens a grey area and some teams reinvent their wings

Recently, the FIA officially confirmed that specific regulatory changes will be introduced for the Monaco Grand Prix regarding Power Unit usage and the absence of sections where Straight Line Mode can be activated. These measures were clearly designed to improve safety by preventing excessively high speeds through the narrow streets of the Principality.

This second decision, in particular, creates a scenario that is, at least for now, quite unique. It has also sparked several behind-the-scenes discussions among teams, and within the next few hours we will begin to see the consequences of these decisions on track.

At Monaco, without active aerodynamics, teams bring wings with additional aerodynamic elements instead of actuators

The discussions had been ongoing for some time, even though the decision was only made official recently. The matter prompted several requests from teams, which naturally wanted to explore the implications in greater detail.

The FIA’s move was clearly driven by safety concerns, aiming to avoid excessively high speeds on the tight streets of Monaco, where traffic has always been a significant issue and where drivers are already operating at the absolute limit. However, the decision not to designate any zones where the wings can open to reduce drag has also created an unexpected opportunity.

According to information that emerged several weeks ago, one team approached the FIA seeking permission to run in Monaco with wings that did not include the active aerodynamics actuator.

Initially, the FIA rejected the proposal, preferring simply to disable the system that activates the movable flaps without fundamentally altering the concept or structure of the 2026 regulations. However, the position of Nikolas Tombazis and his technical department evolved after discussions with the other teams, eventually allowing both front and rear wings to be used without the integrated actuator.

This solution was not made mandatory, but it was approved as an option available to teams at their own discretion.

As a result, a new aerodynamic opportunity emerged for everyone on the grid, exploiting one of the grey areas within the 2026 regulations. The rules allow aerodynamic profiles to be installed in the area normally occupied by the cover housing the rear movable-wing actuator.

The outcome has been a range of creative solutions. Mercedes and Red Bull have already attracted attention with concepts that have been analysed in detail, but they are far from alone. McLaren has developed an approach that is not too dissimilar from Mercedes’ interpretation, while Audi chose to remove the actuators from both the front and rear wings, replacing them with additional aerodynamic elements.

Audi is not the only team to take this route. It is evident that Cadillac has also removed the rear actuator, while teams such as Racing Bulls have retained the cover and integrated a small aerodynamic profile reminiscent of Ferrari’s famous “Macarena” solution.

What was initially intended purely as a safety measure for the Monaco Grand Prix has therefore opened an intriguing development avenue. It provides engineers with a rare opportunity to explore creative aerodynamic concepts within the boundaries of the regulations, making Monaco not only a challenge for drivers but also a fascinating technical battleground for Formula 1’s design teams.