#16 Charles Leclerc, Scuderia Ferrari, drives for the first time the new Ferrari SF-26 for the F1 World champonship 2026 season, during a shakedown test in Fiorano (MO), 23rd January 2026
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Formula 1 News: F1 world sees active front wing moving for first time

Posted by AR1 staff

(GMM) A clip from Ferrari’s Fiorano running has provided the first clear on-track glimpse of the 2026 cars’ active front wing system in motion, with the upper flaps visibly flattening on the straights.

While active aerodynamics are central to the 2026 regulations, the precise mechanism teams would use has been unclear. According to Auto Motor und Sport, most outfits are expected to adopt hydraulics to ensure the front and rear devices move in sync.

“We’ve already gained so much experience with hydraulics in the rear wing that it’s the logical approach,” said James Key, Audi’s technical boss.

“You want both wings to adjust perfectly synchronously. So, we’re likely to see hydraulic systems at the front as well.”

Key said the change happens so quickly it is almost impossible to see when activated in the garage.

“The adjustment has to happen in a very short time,” he explained. “If you watch the activation in the garage, you can’t even perceive the movement itself. The wing is either in one position or the other. It’s incredibly fast and also unbelievably loud. Enormous forces are at work.”

The introduction of hydraulics at the front raises an obvious concern over accident damage, with lines routed through the nose. But Key insisted teams have already engineered solutions that allow the wing to be replaced without losing the active aero function.

“We have found a solution that allows the wing to be changed during a pitstop,” he said. “And the mechanism works again afterwards. The hydraulic connection is similar to a quick-release coupling on a garden hose.”