Piastri offers first glimpse of F1’s active aerodynamics

Oscar Piastri believes Formula 1’s bold aerodynamic revolution for 2026 may feel familiar to drivers – but the punch it delivers could be on an entirely different scale.

As the sport enters one of its biggest technical resets in decades, the McLaren star has offered a glimpse into what life inside the cockpit will be like as active aerodynamics replace the long-standing Drag Reduction System.

And while the sensation may echo DRS, Piastri warns the effect could be noticeably stronger – and the visual spectacle far subtler for fans watching at home.

Familiar Sensation, Stronger Effect

From 2026, Formula 1 cars will shrink in size, shed weight, and introduce a new engine formula splitting power evenly between combustion and electrical energy.

But one of the most talked-about changes sits on the wings rather than under the engine cover: active front and rear aerodynamics that can open and close multiple times per lap in designated zones.

DRS, the overtaking staple since 2011, will disappear. In its place comes a system that drivers manually activate to reduce drag, with automatic shut-off under braking and closed-wing configurations through corners to regain downforce.

In theory, it sounds evolutionary. In practice, Piastri says it feels strikingly reminiscent – yet different enough to catch attention.

“It’s a very similar feeling to when we had DRS,” the Aussie explained.

“Obviously, the biggest difference with DRS was that it was a massive forwards aero balance shift, so the car became very pointy.

“Whereas this year, I don’t actually know where the aero balance goes, but it’s much more lazy, let’s say, because you’ve just got no grip on either axle.

“It’s a similar feeling to DRS, probably more powerful, but it’s not a huge departure from what we’ve had. Obviously, the purpose of it is just very different.”

In other words, drivers may recognise the sensation of reduced drag on the straights, but the car’s balance – and the sheer force of the effect – could feel less precise and more brute-force than the old system.

A Tool for Efficiency, Not Just Overtaking

The philosophical shift is just as significant as the technical one. DRS was designed primarily to spice up overtaking battles; the new active aero is engineered to serve the hybrid power units, easing aerodynamic resistance and helping energy deployment strategies rather than simply enabling slipstream lunges.

An additional “overtake button” will still exist for close-quarters racing, effectively inheriting DRS’s traditional combat role. Active aero, however, becomes more of a performance management tool than a pure passing aid.

“It effectively works the same as DRS,” he added. “We’ll have more zones at most circuits, not all the time. Like Barcelona, for example, we were using the regular two DRS zones we had.

“But just the purpose for it is very different now. Before, obviously, it was an overtaking aid. Now it’s just to reduce drag and take some of the limitations away from the power unit, basically.

“It’s just a different purpose, but fundamentally it’s not going to be that different from, that side of things.”

For drivers, the adaptation may be swift. For viewers, not so much.

The Broadcast Challenge

One unintended consequence of the new era could be confusion on the couch. With wings subtly shifting rather than dramatically flipping open, the once-obvious visual cue of DRS activation will vanish.

Piastri suspects the early races of 2026 may require a learning curve not just for teams and drivers, but for broadcasters and fans alike.

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“What I think will be a challenge at the beginning is being able to broadcast and explain to people what the differences are, because they are not as visual anymore,” he said.

“But that’s a challenge and adaptation you’ll have to make with any change in a sport.”

Formula 1 has never shied away from reinvention, and the 2026 package promises another seismic leap forward.

If Piastri’s early impressions are anything to go by, the cars may look sleeker, the technology smarter – and the straight-line surge when those wings open could be more forceful than anything DRS ever delivered.

The trick will be making sure everyone at home realises it’s happening.

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