In comparison with final yr, a transparent shift in path is starting to emerge. The brand new 2026 rules have reopened the talk between push rod and pull rod entrance suspension layouts. Many groups are returning to the push rod idea, pushed primarily by aerodynamic necessities and the brand new entrance wings, which now affect geometry and airflow way over purely mechanical concerns.
Each regulatory change brings new concepts, but in addition ideas and interpretations that may unfold throughout a number of groups, creating actual technical developments. Within the earlier technical cycle, this phenomenon was notably evident in suspension design, the place very completely different philosophies emerged on the entrance finish, particularly within the ultimate yr.
Half of the grid had adopted a pull rod structure, whereas the opposite half adopted the other philosophy with push rod suspension. This was removed from a marginal distinction. One clear instance was Haas, which determined to not buy Ferrari’s newest specification as a result of between the 2024 and 2025 automobiles there had been a change in suspension structure. That change would have required a rethink of a part of the airflow administration in the direction of the rear of the automobile.
To date, of the seven automobiles seen on monitor in current weeks, 5 have opted for a push rod structure, together with some groups that adopted the other strategy final yr. That is the case for Pink Bull and Racing Bulls, which share the identical mechanical platform, and Audi, previously Sauber till final season.
They’re joined by Mercedes and Haas, with the latter sharing its mechanical structure with Ferrari. The Scuderia will use a push rod structure each on the entrance and on the rear. In distinction, solely two groups have to date chosen the pull rod answer: Cadillac and Alpine. Each automobiles have already taken to the monitor for an preliminary filming day, geared toward checking system performance forward of the Barcelona checks.
On the rear, the selection seems largely uniform, with most groups choosing a push rod structure. That is primarily because of the must optimize packaging and benefit from a diffuser that is still very massive. On the entrance, nevertheless, the dilemma stays large open.
Throughout the earlier ground-effect technical cycle, many groups adopted a pull rod entrance suspension for aerodynamic causes. In response to a number of engineers, this answer helped handle airflow from the entrance wing and turbulence generated by the tyres extra successfully, permitting air to be directed extra effectively in the direction of the central and rear areas of the automobile, relying on the positioning of the suspension arms. These advantages additionally had a constructive impression on experience top administration and total setup.
That mentioned, that is now a unique technical cycle, and the challenges going through the 2026 automobiles are very completely different. It’s no coincidence that many groups are returning to a entrance push rod structure, as was widespread earlier than the ground-effect period. This answer can also be less complicated from a setup perspective, because the parts are positioned within the higher a part of the chassis.
The subject was additionally mentioned throughout McLaren’s season launch press convention. The Woking-based group has not but revealed the shapes of the MCL40, which may also be one of many automobiles not operating on the primary day of testing with a purpose to maximize growth work. Even so, the selection of suspension structure was one of many topics addressed by the designers.
“I’d say push rod or pull rod… completely different automobiles used one or the opposite final yr and in earlier years. In actuality, it’s an aerodynamic alternative, that means which entrance suspension structure most accurately fits your entrance wing,” defined McLaren technical director Rob Marshall.
The selection of structure, greater than being pushed by mechanical causes, is intently linked to aerodynamics and is strongly influenced by the form of the entrance wing. Even in these first weeks, clear variations in idea have already emerged. Till final yr, groups have been making an attempt to maximise outwash, whereas this yr the FIA has tried to restrict that impact. As well as, the function of the flaps will change with the introduction of energetic aerodynamics.
It’s no coincidence that, in the course of the growth part, groups explored dozens of front-end ideas, absolutely conscious of their strategic significance. The entrance wing is the primary ingredient to work together with the airflow and defines how air is managed alongside the whole automobile. This alternative impacts not solely suspension geometry but in addition influences a number of setup choices on the rear.
“Clearly, the brand new entrance wings are all completely different this yr. So the way in which the groups you’ve seen to date have developed their automobiles is to rearrange the suspension arms across the aerodynamic package deal of the entrance wing and the whole entrance finish. It’s a alternative pushed primarily by aerodynamics. Mechanically, each options are pretty simple to implement.”
Jan 23, 2026
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