P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen not a fan of F1’s active aero plans for 2026
The FIA is working on finalizing new car regulations for 2026, with recent simulator findings prompting a rethink on how active aero elements in the new F1 cars will function. There is a shift towards making both the front and rear wings adjustable for aero-balance reasons, instead of just the rear wing originally planned. Max Verstappen expresses concerns about the focus on complex elements like active aero, suggesting that reducing car weight could lead to bigger improvements in racing. The move towards moveable aero elements is crucial due to the new power unit characteristics that will require high-downforce in corners and low drag on straights to optimize performance. Both Verstappen and Carlos Sainz share skepticism about the necessity of active aero in the 2026 cars, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing factors like car weight for enhancing racing.
