--- title: "F1 Spills More Details About Active Aero Plans for 2026 Car" description: "The FIA is looking into added active aerodynamics to F1 cars in 2026, to increase excitement during driver battles." date: "2023-01-22" modified: "2023-01-22" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/f1-spills-more-details-about-active-aero-plans-for-2026-car" categories: - "News" - "Racing" --- # F1 Spills More Details About Active Aero Plans for 2026 Car ![]() *Photo | Bryn Lennon/Getty Images* For the 2026 season, [F1 ]()is looking to introduce active aerodynamics in an effort to increase the excitement of individual battles. Last year, Pirelli reported that there were 785 overtakes in the 2022 season, up from 599 overtakes in the previous 2021 season. Much of that increase is due the use of DRS (Drag Reduction System) but the FIA is looking to make overtaking a bit more challenging come 2026. According to this new report from *[Motorsport]()*, F1 chief technical officer Pat Symonds said that DRS will remain but added active aero will bring some downforce back to cars that lose it while closely following behind another car. DRS works by having an active rear wing that can be opened by the driver in DRS-enabled zones to reduce drag for cars that are within one second of the car leading them. That reduction in drag provides a temporary boost in speed, helping drivers overtake. However, overtaking almost became too easy with DRS, which may have reduced the excitement of individual driver battles throughout the season, according to Symonds. ![]() *Photo | Rudy Carezzevoli/Getty Images* "It's the battle that's interesting, it's the unpredictability—is he going to get past? And I know a lot of people criticize DRS, and that was the trouble with DRS, it can make a pass too easy," he said. Having more comprehensive active aerodynamics could augment drag while DRS is enabled, to balance out driver advantages and make individual battles more exciting. However, aside from some active aero, the 2026 cars should be pretty conventional, according to Symonds. He said that the FIA looked into a variety of different ideas, including some from the past, like skirted ground effect cars and even the famous Brabham[ fan car](). Though it seems the FIA settled on something fairly simple. Teams will get a first look at the 2026 chassis regulations toward the end of the month. *Got tips? Send 'em over to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()