Active Aerodynamics

Active aerodynamics refers to movable parts on a race car that automatically adjust while driving to change how air flows around the vehicle, helping it go faster on straights or grip better in corners.

Think of active aerodynamics like adjustable airplane wings, but for race cars. Traditional race cars have fixed wings and spoilers that stay in one position throughout the entire race. With active aerodynamics, these parts can move and change shape depending on what the car needs at any given moment. The system makes these adjustments automatically based on the car's speed and what the driver is doing.

The main purpose of active aerodynamics is to solve a fundamental problem in racing: what makes a car fast on straightaways actually slows it down in corners, and vice versa. On straight sections of track, you want as little air resistance (called drag) as possible so the car can reach maximum speed. But when entering a corner, you need downforce—air pressure pushing the car down onto the track—to maintain grip and control. Active aerodynamics lets the car have both by switching between configurations in real-time.

The most famous example of active aerodynamics in motorsport is Formula 1's Drag Reduction System, commonly known as DRS. This system allows drivers to open a flap on their rear wing during specific parts of the race, which reduces drag and helps them overtake the car ahead. When the driver brakes for the next corner, the flap automatically closes again to restore downforce. It's a simple but effective demonstration of how movable aerodynamic parts can provide a competitive advantage.

Active aerodynamic systems can include various components beyond rear wings. Some race cars feature adjustable front splitters that extend at high speeds, active grille shutters that open and close based on engine cooling needs, or even systems that automatically adjust the car's ride height. Each of these elements works together to optimize the vehicle's interaction with airflow.

The benefits of active aerodynamics extend beyond just speed and cornering. By reducing drag on straights, these systems can improve fuel efficiency, allowing cars to travel further on a single tank of fuel—an important consideration in endurance racing. They also enhance overall stability and handling by constantly adapting to changing conditions throughout a lap.

Formula 1 is introducing more advanced active aerodynamics for its 2026 season. The new cars will feature movable parts on both front and rear wings, allowing drivers to switch between low-drag mode for straights and high-downforce mode for corners. The front wing will have two movable sections, while the rear wing will have three, giving teams unprecedented control over their car's aerodynamic performance.

Active aerodynamics isn't entirely new to racing. Teams experimented with automatically adjusting ride height systems in the 1990s, and even earlier attempts were made in the 1960s. However, early active aerodynamic devices were banned after frequent failures caused crashes. Today's systems are far more sophisticated and reliable, though safety remains a primary concern. The FIA plans to allow active aero use only in designated safe zones, typically on long straightaways.

Despite their advantages, active aerodynamic systems present challenges. They add complexity to car design and require extensive testing to ensure reliability. If these systems fail during a race, the sudden loss of downforce or unexpected change in drag can cause accidents. Regulations must carefully balance innovation with safety, which is why motorsport governing bodies closely monitor and restrict how these technologies are implemented.