28 January 2026PlanetF1Race report
Ferrari shows wet‑weather active‑aero solution at Barcelona shakedown
Ferrari displayed a wet active‑aero set‑up at Barcelona, with only the front wing movable and the rear wing locked. Lewis Hamilton tried it, showing how FIA may regulate active aero in rain.
Ferrari unveiled a possible wet‑weather fix for the 2026 active‑aero package during Day 2 of the Barcelona shakedown. As rain fell, the SF‑26 ran with only its front wing movable while the rear wing stayed locked, a setup later tried by Lewis Hamilton.
Why it matters:
- Active aerodynamics are a headline 2026 change; their behavior in rain could impact safety and overtaking.
- The current DRS is disabled on wet tracks; a clear rule for active aero is needed to prevent sudden downforce loss.
The details:
- FIA director Nikolas Tombazis said several wet‑track options are under discussion but final decisions are still pending.
- In Barcelona the SF‑26 was shown with the rear wing locked and the front wing at a limited opening, mimicking a DRS‑like effect without full downforce loss.
What's next:
- The FIA will issue a technical bulletin before the season opener, defining activation thresholds for active aero in wet conditions.
- Teams are expected to test similar wet‑mode setups in upcoming shakedowns, which could lead to a grid‑wide standard and tighter racing.
If the wet‑mode is codified, the 2026 grid could see closer battles even in changing weather.