The FIA has not designated any zones for straight-line mode at the Formula 1 race in Monaco, which is why there will be no folding wings in Monte Carlo
One of the innovations for the 2026 Formula 1 season will not be used in Monaco: Active aerodynamics will not be a factor in the upcoming race in the Principality, as there will be no straight-line mode on the streets of Monte Carlo. This means the wings will not be lowered on the straights.
The FIA made this decision with a clear focus on safety. Given the available run-off areas, there was a risk that the cars would become too fast at the tunnel exit. Therefore, there will be no zones for straight-line mode, and the race will be held with fixed wing profiles.
This makes Monte Carlo a unique event for which the teams must prepare very specifically. The race between the manhole covers and curbs will be a major opportunity for anyone looking to throw a wrench in the works of the previously unbeatable Mercedes team.
Can Ferrari give Mercedes a run for its money?
On paper, Monaco should be a hunting ground for Ferrari: While the SF-26 suffers from a lack of power from the power unit in the upper rev range, it is widely regarded as the best car in terms of chassis and aerodynamics in medium-speed and slow corners.
Here, the Principality could become a weapon for the Scuderia’s revenge—on a track where sheer engine power is certainly not the decisive factor for performance, and where the aerodynamic efficiency that was obsessively pursued in the first five races of the year gives way to the quest for maximum downforce.
Downforce is once again becoming the distinguishing feature of cars that were actually designed to offer as little drag as possible. In short: We are about to witness a paradigm shift that could lead to some surprises. Mercedes has so far demonstrated an almost embarrassing superiority over the competition.
Kimi Antonelli and George Russell have split all the wins so far between them, and the new update package introduced on the W17 in Montreal was designed precisely to generate more vertical downforce. Mercedes must therefore be counted among the absolute top favorites, even if Ferrari will take on the role of challenger—with a car that seems tailor-made for the city circuit in the Principality.
McLaren, which has the car with the shortest wheelbase in the entire field, also has legitimate hopes in the Monaco roulette. We all know that success here hinges on a perfect lap in qualifying, as overtaking during the race is practically impossible as long as the car in front doesn’t make a mistake.
Are there any special Monaco updates?
It will be exciting to see who invests special resources in Monaco. Since it makes no sense to mount rear wings like Ferrari’s “Macarena” wing or Red Bull’s—is there anyone who will bring a tailor-made solution specifically for Monte Carlo?
McLaren, for example, will choose the combination of elements from its portfolio that generates the most downforce. However, word from the team in Woking is that they weren’t willing to spend additional budget under the cost cap just to challenge the Silver Arrows’ dominance.
Rob Marshall’s engineers will try to shake off the disappointment from Canada with an MCL40 that should feel right at home in the Principality anyway.
And Ferrari? Team principal Frederic Vasseur has promised a second major update for the Spanish Grand Prix, which takes place just one week after the race in Monaco. It is therefore hardly conceivable that they would bring anything forward for Charles Leclerc’s home race.
However, it is by no means out of the question that we will see special solutions on other cars in order to pull off a major coup in Monte Carlo.
