The FIA has issued stringent updates to the 2025 Formula 1 regulations, effectively banning McLaren’s controversial ‘mini-DRS’ rear wing design. The move comes after intense scrutiny of McLaren’s innovative rear wing setup, which played a pivotal role in Oscar Piastri’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix victory.
The Mini-DRS Saga: What Sparked the Rule Change?
During the Baku City Circuit race, Piastri’s McLaren was observed to exploit a rear wing flex that expanded the slot gap in a manner akin to a secondary DRS system. The aerodynamic advantage provided a straight-line speed boost, allowing Piastri to fend off Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and clinch a critical victory.
Complaints from rival teams led to an FIA investigation, with McLaren agreeing to revise its rear wing design to align with current regulations. However, the governing body has now made a decisive move to prevent such controversies in the future.
Key Rear Wing Rule Changes for 2025
The updated regulations impose stricter slot gap dimensions and functionality for rear wings:
- Slot Gap Reduction: The range has been tightened from 10-15mm to 9.4-13mm when DRS is closed, ensuring no excessive flex can mimic a DRS effect.
- DRS Mode Definitions: The FIA has mandated two clear states for DRS – fully open or fully closed – and rear wing profiles must return to their original shape after DRS deactivation.
These measures eliminate any ambiguity regarding rear wing behavior, ensuring aerodynamic fairness across all teams.
2026 Active Aero and Aerodynamic Enhancements
The FIA has also revealed further revisions to the 2026 F1 regulations, addressing concerns about performance gaps and advancing active aerodynamics:
- Front Wing Flaps: Two rotating flaps will provide low and high-drag modes, with mechanisms to prevent over-rotation.
- Rear Wing Flexibility: While the main plane of the rear wing must remain fixed, other elements can now rotate to enhance aerodynamic performance in different drag modes.
- Revised Floor Design: Enhanced winglets and fences under the car aim to boost downforce and aerodynamic efficiency.
- Endplate Winglets: Newly permitted on front wing endplates, these additions aim to improve airflow and balance.
Safety and Performance Updates
In response to driver concerns and extreme heat conditions, the FIA has expanded its ‘Heat Hazard’ regulations:
- Drivers will now be provided with cockpit cooling devices if track temperatures exceed 30.5°C, with cars carrying a 5kg weight allowance to accommodate the equipment.
The FIA has also added deflectors and debris guards to 2026 F1 wheels, ensuring better safety and durability during races.
Addressing Performance Concerns for 2026
The revised aerodynamic rules address fears that the 2026 F1 cars, under new power unit regulations, might be slower than their current counterparts. The incorporation of active aero elements, optimized floor designs, and refined wing structures ensures the new cars retain competitive performance levels.
FIA’s Clear Intent
These updates underscore the FIA’s commitment to maintaining fairness and safety while pushing the technological boundaries of Formula 1. By clamping down on potential loopholes and introducing innovative aerodynamic solutions, the governing body aims to balance competitive equity with the sport’s forward-thinking ethos.
As teams prepare for the 2025 season and beyond, these changes set the stage for an even more thrilling and tightly contested era of Formula 1.
