Formula 1’s planned active aero for the 2026 regulations is actively in flux as changes are set to be made after troubling simulator findings – according to reports.
Forthcoming changes to the power unit regulations for the 2026 season and beyond were set in stone in 2022, with the hybrid engines set to incorporate a 50/50 power split between internal combustion and electrical components.
This further shift towards sustainability was a successful bid to attract new engine manufacturers and had a key part to play in bringing Audi into the fold.
Still, the increased electrification within the new power units means energy recovery and conservation will be paramount and the FIA hopes active aero will mitigate this issue.
However, Autosport reports that following team simulations, the initial plan for solely a movable rear wing has brought up significant issues, sending the rule-makers back to the drawing board.
Initially, the plan was for the rear wing to have a high downforce configuration for the corners before switching to a low-drag setup on the straights in addition to DRS.
But when teams ran these configurations in simulators, it was found that a severe change in aero balance from corners onto the straights, equivalent to three times more extreme than DRS, meant drivers were at risk of spinning when accelerating down the straights.
Autosport’s FIA sources noted that after visiting teams to gauge the issues being experienced, a plan to include moveable front and rear wings is being put in place.
The working theory is that having the aero balance shift at both the front and rear of the car should make the change more manageable for the drivers, mitigating risks.
2026’s Aerodynamic regulations are set to be drawn up by the end of June this year.
Teams won’t be able to start work on the 2026 chassis and bodywork until the start of next year, giving everyone a 12-month window to prepare.
This will also mean CFD and wind tunnel work on the 2026 cars will be factored into the 2025 cost-cap regulations.
Red Bull Technical Director Pierre Wache has already expressed his concerns regarding the forthcoming technical regulations.
He told Autosport “The thing is that [the FIA] didn’t think through the full concept [of these new regulations] at the same time.
“First they defined the engine regulations and now we have to cope with that on the chassis side to compensate for the issue we have.”
Team Principal Christian Horner also told the publication that “I think there’s been some good progression.
“I think that the FIA have taken on board some of the feedback and some alterations have been made.
“We’re waiting for the chassis regulations, which will be a fundamental part of the 2026 package now and how that interacts with these power units.
“The various working groups are working hard on that and it’s important that we conclude something in the near future.”
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