As the FIA continues its efforts to finalise the new car regulations from 2026, Autosport revealed earlier this week that some alarming simulator findings have prompted a rethink about how the active aero elements of the new F1 challengers will work.
Whereas initial investigations focused on only having the rear wing as a moveable element, it has now been decided that the front wing will also need to be adjustable for aero-balance reasons.
This move was triggered by simulator runs highlighting that there was a high risk of cars spinning when the rear wing was in low-drag mode.
Verstappen thinks that F1 is looking in the wrong direction though in chasing complex elements like active aero, and instead says bigger improvements could come if there was a big push to bring down car weight.
Asked by Autosport for his thoughts on the 2026 plans, Verstappen said: “With the potential like active aero and stuff, I'm not sure if we should head into that direction - but that's what it's looking like at the moment.
“Hopefully, we can optimise all these kinds of things.
“For me, it's more important to just try and fight the weight of the cars, try and optimise that instead of all these tools and tricks to try and help the overtaking or following. There must be different ways to be able to do it.”
The moveable aero element has become essential because the 2026 car designs need to compensate for the unique performance characteristics of the new power units.
Source: Autosport