F1 Eyes 2026 Aero Changes to Combat Plank Wear in Wet Conditions

Formula 1 is planning to implement shortened activation zones for straightline aero mode in wet conditions for the 2026 season. This move aims to prevent critical plank wear issues and address potential safety concerns that emerged during the development of the new regulations.

Why it matters:

After years of struggling to mount a consistent title challenge, Ferrari's pursuit of a breakthrough engine could dramatically reshape the competitive landscape of F1. A powerful yet reliable power unit is crucial for a team aiming to challenge the established frontrunners and return to championship contention, a position they haven't held consistently since 2018.

The Details:

• The 2026 F1 cars will feature full active aerodynamics, allowing drivers to manually switch between high-downforce (cornering) and low-drag (straightline) modes within FIA-defined activation zones.
• Initially, disabling straightline mode in wet conditions seemed logical due to safety concerns about minimal downforce at high speeds.
• However, teams discovered a critical unintended consequence: running in high-downforce mode on straights in the wet would push cars further into the ground, leading to excessive plank wear.
  • Plank wear is a serious issue: McLaren's double disqualification at the Las Vegas Grand Prix for exceeding plank wear tolerances highlights the constant pressure on teams. Williams team principal James Vowles emphasized the risk, stating that disabling straightline mode in drying wet conditions would 'wear through the front of the car'.
• Discussions at both Technical Advisory and Sporting Advisory Committee levels have explored solutions.
• The proposed solution involves the FIA imposing modified (shorter or eliminated) activation zones for straightline mode in unsafe conditions, such as rain.
  • A shorter zone reduces the time cars experience maximum downforce forces, mitigating the risk of bottoming out and excessive plank wear.
• Another idea being explored is to allow drivers to only adjust the front wing element in wet conditions, which would help prevent the front of the car from being pushed excessively into the ground.

The Big Picture:

Plank wear has been a persistent issue for teams, with several disqualifications (McLaren in Las Vegas, Ferrari with Hamilton in China, Sauber with Hulkenberg in Bahrain) underlining its significance. The 2026 regulations with active aero introduce new complexities, and the FIA's proactive approach to address these potential issues before implementation is crucial for both fairness and safety.

What's next:

While the final regulations are not yet signed off, the FIA is finalizing the solution of imposing modified activation zone lengths. This proactive adjustment aims to ensure the integrity of the 2026 active aero system, prevent widespread technical infringements related to plank wear, and maintain driver safety in varying track conditions. The focus will now be on refining these rules to provide a robust framework for the new era of Formula 1.