FIA tweaks 2026 active aero rules, Mekies details Ferrari departure for Red Bull

The FIA has introduced a partial active aerodynamic mode for the 2026 Formula 1 season to address team concerns over skid wear in wet races. Meanwhile, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies has opened up about his decision to leave Ferrari, citing an unmissable opportunity to become a team principal as the key factor.

Why it matters:

The 2026 regulation changes represent the most significant technical overhaul in a generation, and this last-minute tweak shows the FIA is actively working with teams to solve practical problems before the rules are locked in. For Red Bull, Mekies's insights into his career move highlight the ongoing personnel shifts and strategic thinking at the top of the sport, as key figures position themselves for the new era.

The details:

• 2026 Rule Adjustment: Teams expressed fear that running a high-downforce setup with the new movable front and rear wings throughout a wet race would cause excessive wear to the car's skid blocks. In response, the FIA will allow a partial active aero mode, giving teams more strategic flexibility during variable conditions.
• Mekies's Career Move: The Red Bull boss described his time at Ferrari as a "fantastic experience" where he learned a great deal under Mattia Binotto and maintained a close relationship with Fred Vasseur. However, he stated that the offer to become team principal at Racing Bulls (now VCARB) was "a train I simply couldn’t afford to miss," emphasizing his desire to avoid a comfort zone.

The big picture:

The 2026 rules, which eliminate the MGU-H and introduce a 50/50 power split between internal combustion and electric energy, are designed to be simpler, more sustainable, and promote closer racing. The shift from DRS to a full active aerodynamics system is a cornerstone of this philosophy. Mekies's journey from Ferrari's deputy team principal to leading Red Bull underscores the fluid nature of F1's managerial landscape, where top talent is highly sought after and career progression often requires bold moves between rival organizations.

What's next:

Teams will continue to develop their 2026 concepts with this clarified active aero rule in mind. All eyes will be on how the new power units and chassis regulations perform in simulations and, eventually, on track. For Mekies, the focus is now fully on preparing Red Bull Racing for the 2025 season and ensuring the team is a leading contender when the new regulations arrive.