The FIA has decided not to eliminate the straight mode that was planned for the FP3 session of the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, following strong rejection from the Formula 1 teams.
For the 2026 season, the FIA has introduced active aerodynamics, which allows single-seaters to lower both the front and rear wings in certain sections of the circuit. This measure seeks to reduce the energy demands of the new engines, which largely depend on optimal battery usage.
The Albert Park track includes five such zones, including the section following turn 8, which leads into the fast combination of turns 9 and 10. Some drivers expressed concerns during the driver briefing on Friday about the low aerodynamic load when activating the straight mode, which could cause them to lose control in the corners near turn 9.
After analyzing the data, the FIA unilaterally decided to eliminate the straight mode for the zone between turns 8 and 9 before the third practice session. However, in light of the strong reaction from several teams, the FIA has reverted to its decision and will maintain the original layout for FP3.
The FIA’s single-seater director, Nikolas Tombazis, explained that in circuits like Melbourne, the straight sections include curved areas, and the low downforce in these zones can affect safety. The federation argued that caution was necessary in light of possible loss of control of the vehicles in traffic situations.
This situation has arisen as a result of the variability in the designs of different single-seaters, which experience different downforce losses with the activation of the straight mode. Some teams were facing a lower load greater than the FIA had anticipated, prompting the federation to act preventively.
The teams were informed of the change shortly before FP3, which impacts the energy strategies they are designing for the race. Tombazis admitted that the decision may disadvantage those who had adjusted their cars with the straight mode in mind, but insisted that the safety of the drivers was their main priority.
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