FIA moves to ban F1 exhaust wings from 2027

The FIA is planning to ban aerodynamic 'exhaust wings' from the 2027 Formula 1 season, following a development war triggered by Ferrari's innovative design this year. While the designs are currently legal, the governing body wants to stop an escalating tech battle over manipulating hot exhaust gases, with discussions now set to begin with teams to formalize the rule change.

Why it matters:

This move highlights the FIA's proactive approach to curbing complex and expensive aerodynamic arms races before they become entrenched. By targeting a concept pioneered by Ferrari and rapidly copied by rivals, the governing body aims to close a regulatory loophole and prevent teams from diverting excessive resources into a niche area of car development, aligning with F1's broader cost-control philosophy.

The details:

• Ferrari's Innovation: Ferrari debuted its 'flick tail mode' (FTM) exhaust wing in pre-season testing. Unique gearbox placement relative to the crash structure allowed it to fit the component within the rules, using it to manipulate exhaust flow for aerodynamic benefit.
• Rapid Copying: After customer team Haas adopted a version, six other teams—McLaren, Mercedes, Red Bull, Williams, Alpine, and Stake F1—unveiled their own exhaust wing solutions at the Miami GP. They exploited Article C3.9.2 of the technical regulations, which allows for a single exhaust tailpipe "support" within certain legality boxes.
• Regulatory Stance: The FIA confirms all current designs are legal but is dissatisfied with the trend. It does not want increasingly complicated aerodynamic devices in the exhaust area and believes it's better to stop the development war now.
• Change Process: As the issue is not safety-related, any rule change requires support from teams to be voted through. The FIA has signaled its intent and will now discuss the framing of the ban with technical directors.

What's next:

Formal discussions between the FIA and team technical chiefs will shape the specific wording of a 2027 regulation change. The push to ban exhaust wings, along with a similar proposed ban on 'halo wings' also introduced by Ferrari this year, indicates a clear intent to simplify aerodynamic extremities and control development scope in the final years of the current regulatory cycle before the major 2026 rules overhaul.