In a video, Formula 1 fans can see the active aerodynamics on the Ferrari SF-26 in action – but not everyone is enthusiastic about the new technology.
During Friday’s shakedown in Fiorano, Ferrari tested the SF-26’s new active aerodynamics, among other things. After footage of this appeared on social media, the official Formula 1 channel has now also published a video of the folding wings.
However, the enthusiasm of the fans is limited. “Looks like a cheap gimmick,” writes one user, for example, while another simply describes the system as “stupid.” And several note that the folding rear wing is simply DRS under a new name.
Although there are also some positive voices, some Formula 1 fans are even concerned about safety when they see the images. “I think this is going to be very dangerous,” writes one user, who fears that the system could fail and the wing might not fold back at the end of the straight.
Active aero in action!
Spot the active aero in this clip of Lewis Hamilton in the SF-26! F1 pic.twitter.com/WTkJLQ7hxt
— Formula 1 (@F1) January 23, 2026
“Looks like a disaster waiting to happen due to loose parts,” fears another, while yet another user simply writes: “Mark my words, this won’t be good for the sport.”
Active aerodynamics will be introduced in the 2026 Formula 1 season to enable higher speeds on the straights and more downforce in the corners. To achieve this, both the front and rear wings will be flattened on the straights – much like the DRS system used previously.
Originally, the two settings were called X and Z mode, later “straightline mode” and “cornering mode.” However, Formula 1 has since discarded these terms and summarized everything under the term active aerodynamics.
The difference to the old “drag reduction system” is that active aerodynamics are available to drivers throughout the race, whereas DRS could only be used as an overtaking aid if the driver was less than a second behind the car in front.