Ferrari gives first glimpse of F1 2026's active aero in action

Ferrari has become the first team to publicly show the use of active aerodynamics that is part of the new Formula 1 rules era, after it was spotted during the SF26 shakedown at Fiorano.

Having been seen on several videos to explain how it will work, this technology has been officially published on Formula 1’s own channels, clearly showing the aerodynamic elements at work.

But fans will have to wait a little longer to see the system in action, especially at high speed, as a shakedown is primarily a test to verify the overall functioning of the car at a low speed.

Active aerodynamics will be introduced in F1 from this season, which will see the front and rear wings flatten out on fast sections, in a way very reminiscent to the DRS system that has been in use for the last 15 years.

Except that its activation is programmed and not conditioned by the gap with the car in front to being under one second by a way of encouraging overtaking. On this point, F1’s new Overtake Mode will effectively replace DRS.

How does active aerodynamics work?

Watch: 2026 Formula 1 Technical Regulations Explained

Active aerodynamics gives the car two states, defined by Corner Mode and Straight Mode. The first is the default mode for F1 2026 cars, as in this configuration, the flaps will be in their normal position and the cars will therefore produce as much downforce as possible in order to maximise their aerodynamic performance in corners.

Straight Mode will only be available in certain areas predefined by the FIA at each track and will have to be activated by the drivers themselves. In this configuration, the flaps will be raised to reduce drag and duly increase top speed.

As soon as a driver approaches a corner and lifts off the throttle to brake, the car returns to corner mode, meaning that the flaps return to their high downforce configuration to maximise stability.

But the challenge goes beyond simply installing an actuator to control each wing. Teams have been working on the airflow after DRS activation, and must find a compromise between wings that provide maximum downforce under normal conditions and wings that reduce drag when activated.

Ensuring that the airflow quickly reattaches to both front and rear wings in Corner Mode is essential to provide the driver with maximum stability when braking and entering corners, as without this rapid reattachment the car would lose the grip necessary to corner properly.

Photos from Ferrari shakedownCharles Leclerc, Ferrari SF-26