When new rules come into force in Formula 1, it's natural to see many different interpretations across the grid, especially on those components that define the car’s overall concept. From tail to tip, from the sidepods to the suspension, all the way to the front wing, changes have swept the 2026 cars in line with the new philosophy this season.
The FIA has sought to limit the outwash effect that made it difficult for cars to follow each other through corners in previous eras, while at the same time introducing a major new feature: active aerodynamics on the front flaps. This latter element mitigates the effect aerodynamic drag would have on power demand from the engine's hybrid system.
