According to ScarbsTech, he suspects there is a very strong return spring somewhere in the mechanism that the hydraulic pressure overcomes to close the wing. Even if there was no pressure, the spring could return the wing back into downforce mode."
This would most likely be achieved through a strong return spring within the mechanism, with hydraulic pressure used to overcome the spring when activating straight-line mode. Should pressure be lost, the system would naturally revert to its downforce mode, ensuring aerodynamic stability and safety.
For ScarbsTech, a key concern regarding Alpine’s philosophy is the safety element; if there is a mechanism or hydraulic failure, how does the wing return to its high downforce mode?
10/11
A similar design philosophy can already be seen with the front wings across much of the current grid, where the front wing element flattens rather than rotates upwards, reinforcing the idea that controlled downforce retention is a key consideration in modern active aero design.
9/11
(...) will include high-speed corners, where maintaining some downforce and aerodynamic balance remains essential.
8/11
With the two wing elements working together as a longer, flatter surface, some downforce is likely retained. This is particularly important under the 2026 regulations, as active aero modes will not be limited solely to long straights; certain activation zones....
7/11
In doing so, the wing transitions from a high-camber configuration to one that is close to flat, significantly reducing downforce while also lowering induced drag at the wing tips and reducing form drag.
6/11
For 2026, teams are exploring alternative active aerodynamic solutions within the new regulatory framework. Alpine’s approach appears to invert the conventional DRS philosophy by flattening the rear wing rather than rotating the flap upwards into the airflow.
5/11
(...) weakening the induced drag created at the wing tips — a phenomenon often visible as vortex trails in damp conditions.
4/11
Traditionally, drag reduction has been achieved by raising the rear wing flap, as seen with DRS, introduced in 2011. The Drag Reduction System reduces the downforce generated by the flap, and cuts drag by decreasing its exposed cross-sectional area to the airflow, while also...
3/11
Scarbs Tech explains that this divergence stems from how teams are interpreting the same objective: maximising drag reduction in straight-line mode while retaining sufficient aerodynamic load when required.
2/11
A THREAD - With the 2026 Formula 1 regulations bringing active aerodynamics to the forefront, many fans have been asking why most teams appear to be pursuing one type of active rear wing solution, while Alpine’s concept looks notably different.
1/11
The De-brief: Friesacher explains Formula 1’s evolution, what makes Verstappen special, and Rovanperä’s single-seater switch.
slipstreamsa.blogspot.com/2026/01/the-...
The Set-Up with Steve Humble: A glance into the engineering behind hillclimb racing.
slipstreamsa.blogspot.com/2025/12/the-...
Oscar Piastri: I think so. There's a lot of competition today, but I still think we have a good chance (for pole)
Front wing, front right suspension, gearbox, and both corners have been changed on Lewis Hamilton's car ahead of qualifying
Max Verstappen: "I hope I can be in that fight."
Max Verstappen: First of all, stay out of the barriers. I think it's going to be very difficult and tight.
How much do I love Monaco? Uhhhnmm... enough to own a gorgeous Graham and Leigh framed track. 🤣
Set-up tweaks complete, a car or two rebuilt... it's time for man and machine to push the absolute limits on my favourite F1 track
With the destroyed blue bird app, and it currently being down... you can find my regular blow-by-blow session posts here for now.....
Months after the FIA launched a tender to find a new promoter for the FIA World Rallycross and European Rallycross Championships.
Today, the FIA has announced that they have invested in owning the championship and will operate them with the support of a service provider.
A front view comparison between the Scuderia Ferrari SF-24 versus SF-25. #F1
*Shade of SF-25 lighter due to lighting/sunshine
From Childhood Fascination to Lifelong Passion: A Fan’s Hope for Formula 1’s Return to South Africa. #F1
slipstreamsa.blogspot.com/2025/02/from...
I had the great honor of showing F1 Photographer Michael Potts around the new proposed Cape Town Formula 1 circuit. So, is Cape Town the next Monaco?
youtu.be/wDoTn1h_TQg?...
OhardBark.com has illustrated a difference between the McLaren MCL38 vs. MCL39 (livery explained in image below) #F1
At this weekend, #FormulaE double-header in Jeddah, the fully-electric championship will debut "PITBOOST" a new mid-race feature. Want to know more? Formula E has hooked us up with an explainer below 😁
Williams will unveil the FW47 on Feb 14 at Silverstone Circuit. [The launch was also live-streamed on social media and on the Williams website.]
Whilst on Sunday, 16 Feb, the Haas VF-25 filming day is scheduled at Silverstone, where Esteban Ocon will drive the car for the first time.
Pirelli's 2026 tyre testing program continues this weekend with a two-day test at Jerez de la Frontera circuit on 13 and 14 February, with Alpine will be taking part on both days, while McLaren and Mercedes will do one day each.
📸Pirelli
Hi all. Sorry for the quietness. But, here goes, later this week, I will be catching up with Formula 1 photography Michael Potts in Cape Town. So, if you have a question, drop it below, and I'll get it answered for you. 😁