Formula 1 2026, active aerodynamics, Aston Martin F1, F1 technical changes, hybrid powertrain, DRS evolution, aerodynamic development, F1 aero modes, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll
In addition to the hybrid engine with increased electric power, one of the major innovations in Formula 1 cars for 2026 will be the active aerodynamics that will help make them better race cars.
They will feature a straight-line mode that will help reduce drag and improve the efficiency of the hybrid engine. This system will operate on the same principles as the current DRS but will involve multiple parts of the car and will be activated on every straight throughout a lap.
In corners, the aerodynamic package will add downforce to gain grip, but it will also need to limit drag to avoid creating excessively dirty air. Bob Bell, the executive technical director of Aston Martin F1, explains that this is one of the biggest challenges of the project, and he confirms that the team is still actively working on this compromise.
“The performance of these cars on track will be different. The big difference lies in the concept of a cornering mode and a straight-line mode. The straight-line mode will work like the current DRS, but it will be more like a super DRS, operating on every straight and having a much greater impact,” said Bell.
“We will have cars that will adjust the rear and front wings on the straights to reduce drag. When you are not on a straight, you will have the cornering mode, which will focus on reducing drag. This means we have to take a different conceptual approach to the development of these cars.”
“We almost have to think of two distinct operating modes and their impact on the aerodynamic development of the car. It is not completely different from what we have with DRS, but it is much more extreme, and it affects how we will work to get the most out of it.”
“It is still early, and we are running many simulations to try to understand the design implications. We will get there, but the best approaches are much less straightforward than before. Offline simulations and driver-in-the-loop simulations will help us set targets and understand what we need to aim for.”
It is to advance in this process that Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll have been able to work on it for several months: “We brought Lance and Fernando into the development process in February. It was their first opportunity to experience our new state-of-the-art simulator and to drive a 2026 car, even if only virtually.”
“It is very important to get early driver feedback because their input is a key part of the development process. This is not like improving an existing car: what they feel, and how they think these cars will potentially behave, is part of the learning process.”
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