Source:
REUTERS/Issei Kato
[Saba
Sports News] In preparation for the introduction of the new generation F1
engine in 2026, which will be a hybrid of 50% electric and 50% oil power to
enhance racing performance, F1 has planned to implement active aerodynamic
design starting from 2026. The concept involves utilizing high downforce mode
in corners to improve grip for better cornering, and flattening the wings on straights
to reduce air resistance, increase tail speed, and facilitate overtaking. One
proposed solution is to apply this design solely to the rear wing, as it can
synergize effectively with the Drag Reduction System (DRS) and has a simpler
structure, resulting in significant cost savings. However, recent research and
testing conducted by a certain team have revealed severe issues that would
arise if such a design were adopted. Motorsport reports that when the rear wing
is set to the lowest downforce mode and the engine reaches peak power output,
the car becomes almost undrivable, with the driver spinning out on straights.
Additionally, negotiating sharp corners without spinning becomes nearly
impossible without destabilizing the rear end of the car. The root cause of
these problems lies in the significant disruption to the car’s aerodynamic
balance caused by the proposed design, with its destructive effects being
nearly three times more pronounced than the current DRS system. The only way to
prevent the car from spinning in such circumstances is to drive conservatively,
but this would result in lap times slower than those of the current F2 cars.
Senior sources within the FIA have revealed that the current assessment
suggests that the active aerodynamic kit cannot be limited to the rear wing
alone and must be applied to both the front and rear wings. It is estimated
that F1 will revise the regulations and finalize a new aerodynamic framework by
June of this year.