Mercedes ran a rudimentary prototype of its 2026 front wing during Abu Dhabi post-season testing on a mule car driven by Kimi Antonelli.
The design features an actuation system on the upper wing elements, connected to the nose cone via large external tubing on the mule car (which is unlikely to be seen on 2026 cars), enabling a switch to low-drag, low-downforce mode on straights to simulate the upcoming active aerodynamics that will replace DRS.
The early test provides Mercedes, Pirelli, and the FIA with valuable data on drag reduction and tyre loads under 2026-like conditions.
Below is a look at how it will all work next year.
Dual-mode aerodynamics
From next year, F1 cars will feature moveable front and rear wings, each with multiple elements – three for the rear, two for the front – allowing drivers to switch between two distinct modes.
Both wins will be moveable in 2026
FIA
– Z-mode: A high-downforce set-up for corners, with wings in their standard, closed positions.
– X-mode: Low-drag set-up for straights, with wings rotated to a reclined position, increasing top speed.
Unlike DRS, which is only available to drivers running within one second of the car ahead and in specific zones, the new active aero system can be activated by any driver at predetermined points on the circuit, regardless of their position relative to other cars.
Drivers will use a steering wheel button to switch between modes, but activation will be restricted to designated zones for safety.
With the active aero system, both the front and rear wing elements move together to maintain aerodynamic balance. Adjusting only the rear wing (as with DRS) would create instability, so the front wing must also adapt to ensure predictable handling.
While DRS was primarily an overtaking aid, the new active aero system serves the purpose of managing energy consumption, as reducing drag on straights is essential for efficient energy use with power units that will rely much more on electrical energy.
Manual override
The freedom of use of the new system could mean that its effects on boosting overtakes are cancelled if the driver running in front decides to use the X-mode at the same time as the driver behind.
Manual override is F1’s hope for overtaking without DRS
FIA
That’s why a new “manual override” mode will be introduced as well next year.
When the driver behind is within one second of a car ahead, they will be able to deploy extra electrical energy (up to 0.5MJ) from the MGU-K with the manual override button. That will produce a DRS-like boost for a short period of time.
The leading car’s energy deployment will taper off after 290km/h, while the car behind can use the override for a full 350kW up to 337km/h.
The hope is the speed differential will mimic the effect of the DRS and allow overtaking.