A new rule for teams to grapple with in 2026, and a potentially radical change as a result.
McLaren has elaborated on the new challenges faced by F1 teams due to the introduction of the straight mode system and a possible significant change in car setup for the 2026 season. The straight mode will activate both front and rear wings to reduce drag and increase top speed before closing to return the car to corner mode, constituting active aerodynamics. While moveable rear wings have been a feature in F1 since the inception of DRS in 2011, the extensive use of moveable front wings is a new development likely to impact car setup significantly, given the increased drag reduction capabilities. Mark Temple, McLaren’s performance technical director, highlighted the potential use of larger rear wings in races with prolonged straight mode activation, such as at Australia’s Albert Park or Italy’s Monza, unlike past seasons that favored low-profile designs. The emphasis on balancing downforce in corner mode versus drag reduction in straight mode presents a new layer in optimizing car performance across different tracks. Depending on the track characteristics, teams may opt for larger rear wings to maximize downforce in races with extended straight sections, while tracks like Belgium may see setups similar to previous years due to the mix of straight and corner modes.
