Ferrari successfully tested the new Partial Active Aerodynamics, only available during wet conditions

The second day of Formula 1's five-day closed-doors shakedown at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya delivered far more than routine data collection—it provided a critical window into one of the sport's most ambitious technological overhauls. While rain discouraged several teams from taking to the track, Ferrari seized the opportunity to evaluate a groundbreaking solution that addresses one of the 2026 regulation package's most complex technical challenges: how active aerodynamics function in wet-weather conditions.

Charles Leclerc, running the new SF-26 for his first substantial mileage on a soaking circuit, completed numerous laps in torrential conditions while evaluating the newly introduced Partial Active Aero Mode—a third operational state for the revolutionary active aerodynamic system that represents a fundamental departure from the approach originally envisioned by the FIA.

The new Active Aerodynamic philosophy

The introduction of moveable front and rear wings represents a natural evolution of Formula 1 technology, building upon the legacy of the Drag Reduction System (DRS) that dominated the sport from 2011 through 2025. Active aerodynamics function as a successor to DRS, maintaining the core objective of enhancing straight-line efficiency by reducing aerodynamic resistance, thereby boosting speed whilst minimizing energy demands on the hybrid power unit.

However, the 2026 regulations transcend the binary on-off functionality that characterized DRS. Instead, they introduce a more nuanced three-state system, with the Partial Active Aero Mode representing the most technically sophisticated addition to this package.

During Leclerc's extensive wet-weather evaluation, the rear wing remained in the fully closed position while the second and third elements of the front wing flattened out across the main straight. This measured approach represents a carefully calculated compromise—acknowledging the reality that Formula 1 in 2026 operates under fundamentally different energy constraints than previous regulatory eras.

The technical rationale behind Partial Active Aero

The introduction of this third operational mode, finalized as part of the latest regulation draft in December 2025, addresses two critical engineering and sporting concerns that emerged during the development process.

Energy Management Priorities: The first concern centers on battery depletion. Operating at full downforce on straights during wet-weather running would demand substantial electrical energy from the hybrid system, creating the genuine prospect of battery exhaustion mid-race. Beyond the purely technical ramifications, such a scenario would undermine the competitive spectacle that Formula 1 demands—presenting an undesirable focus for negative sentiment amongst fans and stakeholders.

Skid Block Wear Complications: The second, more immediate concern stems from the controversial disqualifications that concluded the 2025 season. Several high-profile exclusions—notably McLaren's removal from the Las Vegas Grand Prix results for excess skid block wear—cast a shadow over the integrity of the championship. The FIA recognized that high downforce levels maintained across straights during wet conditions would inevitably contribute to excessive skid block degradation, potentially creating another contentious avenue for post-race disqualifications.

Ferrari's pioneering evaluation

Beyond the technological framework, Ferrari's decision to carry two complete sets of Pirelli's new full wet-weather tyres in its allocation proved strategically astute. As conditions deteriorated during the morning session, when most teams opted to remain in the garage, Ferrari's preparedness enabled Leclerc to accumulate genuine operational data on the Partial Active Aero Mode under genuine race-representative conditions.

This wasn't merely a confirmatory exercise—the data gathered from extended wet-weather running provides invaluable information that will inform Ferrari's setup philosophy for the remainder of the 2026 pre-season programme and, critically, the opening races of the championship.

Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton also sampled this wet-weather active aero configuration during his afternoon running, offering additional feedback from two drivers with vastly different experience profiles operating the same technical innovation.

The broader 2026 aerodynamic vision

The introduction of active aerodynamics must be contextualized within the comprehensive aerodynamic philosophy underpinning the 2026 regulations. FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis has articulated an ambitious vision: that despite the inevitable initial grid spread characteristic of new regulatory eras, the revised aerodynamic architecture will fundamentally enhance racing quality.

The fundamental principle centers on improved wake characteristics and learning from the 2022-2025 ground-effect generation. Tombazis contends that "cars will be able to follow each other much closer than now," with the unpredictability introduced by the new aerodynamic package promising to "make racing ultimately more exciting."

A measured step forward

Ferrari's successful evaluation of the Partial Active Aero Mode represents a pivotal moment in the 2026 regulation implementation. By demonstrating that this technical innovation functions reliably in challenging wet-weather conditions, the Scuderia has provided reassurance that the FIA's sophisticated three-state aerodynamic system can deliver both performance and reliability across the full spectrum of racing conditions.

As the Barcelona shakedown progresses and additional teams rotate through their allocated testing days, the engineering community will scrutinize Ferrari's data with intense focus, eager to understand how this technical solution performs as the sport prepares for one of its most transformative seasons in a generation.