FIA
Rumors
Will F1 cars soon have automated wings?
- Savannah Lenz
Since January 1st 2025, the Formula One teams have been able to start working on the cars that will run under the regulations set to be implemented next year, and given the sizeable changes the new rules represent, it is safe to say 2026 will be a monumental year for them and the series as well. One of the biggest changes will be the elimination of DRS. Instead of being used to overtake the rear and front, it will now work towards energy output management. But rumour has it that both aerodynamic elements may be deployed automatically.
Will the 2026 cars have automated wings?
In 2026, the power units will have split power, with 50% coming from the ICE and 50% coming from the MGU-K. To navigate the issues of a power imbalance, it is rumoured that the FIA are looking for ways to stop the drivers from having to slow down on the straights to recharge their batteries, Motorsport Italia reported. One of the ways the FIA could do this is by automating the active opening and closing of the rear and frontal wings. This would then leave the use of overdrive mode at the discretion of the driver, as DRS will no longer exist.
F1 drivers are currently allowed to use DRS (drag reduction system) to aid in overtaking the car in front of them. However, there are rules regarding when it can and can't be used. Under the new 2026 regulations, these rules will no longer exist. And neither will DRS. The wings will still feature the flaps to reduce drag on the straights, but its main purpose is for the car to use less energy when the wing flap is open.
According to rumours, the 2026 wing flaps may be fully automatic. This means they would automatically open by themselves instead of the driver having to manually press a button. The drivers would still be able to use an override function, which they would achieve by receiving a power boost from the car instead of having less drag. Another part of the rumour is that the wings (front and back) would open up at different times. The front wing would have a delay, causing it to open up after the back wing.
Several different changes are being floated around, and while none are confirmed, all suggestions would have a significant difference in the aerodynamics of the car. One of the FIA's goals for 2026 is to make the cars smaller, sleeker and more agile.
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