F1TECH: How did Alpine and Audi bring a completely new rear wing philosophy?

The introduction of Method 1’s 2026 lively‑aerodynamic laws has already sparked a wave of inventive engineering options, and two groups—Audi and Alpine—have emerged with notably unconventional rear‑wing mechanisms.

Their contrasting interpretations of the brand new guidelines exhibit how a lot freedom groups now have in designing DRS‑type methods that function far past the standard single‑flap idea.

Audi’s Central‑Pivot, Single‑Linkage Structure

Audi’s rear wing stands out instantly resulting from its uncommon rotation system. As an alternative of putting the pivot level close to the higher or decrease fringe of the wing helps, the staff has positioned it straight in the course of the endplate construction. This central placement causes the flaps to rotate in a noticeably completely different sample in comparison with rival designs, producing a particular aerodynamic impact when the wing enters its low‑drag mode.

Due to this geometry, the flaps open at an angle moderately than in a uniform, horizontal movement. This angled rotation redirects the airflow in a unique route, altering how the air detaches from the wing and influencing the behaviour of the circulate towards the beam wing and diffuser.

Audi has additionally chosen a mechanical format that differs from the extra frequent twin‑actuator methods utilized by different groups. As an alternative of two attachment factors controlling each flaps, Audi makes use of a single linkage that drives solely the higher flap.

The decrease flap then follows passively, shifting as a consequence of the higher flap’s rotation. This creates a extra fluid, much less constrained opening movement that provides the wing a singular aerodynamic signature.

The result’s a rear wing that seems to power the airflow downward extra aggressively when opened, as a result of steep angle the flaps undertake of their low‑drag configuration. This behaviour might affect each drag discount and rear‑finish stability in ways in which differ considerably from standard DRS methods.

Alpine’s Reverse‑Performing Flap Mechanism

Whereas Audi has pursued a central‑pivot, single‑linkage idea, Alpine has taken a very completely different strategy. Their rear wing operates by collapsing the trailing edge moderately than rotating the vanguard. In observe, this implies the rear portion of the flap folds downward whereas the entrance part stays fastened in place.

This reverse‑performing mechanism successfully extends the mainplane when the wing opens, altering how the wing sheds load and lowering drag in a fashion that contrasts sharply with Audi’s angled‑flap design. The result’s a low‑drag mode that alters the wing’s profile from the again moderately than rotating your entire flap meeting.

A New Period of Energetic Aerodynamics

Each Audi and Alpine are taking full benefit of the expanded freedoms launched for 2026. The brand new guidelines enable groups to include moveable parts not solely on the rear wing but additionally on the entrance wing, and these gadgets might be activated on each straight moderately than solely in designated DRS zones.

This shift transforms lively aero from a easy overtaking assist right into a full‑lap aerodynamic system that should steadiness drag discount, power deployment and cornering efficiency.

Audi’s angled, centrally pivoted flaps and Alpine’s reverse‑collapsing trailing edge characterize two radically completely different philosophies in rear‑wing design.

Each groups are exploring the boundaries of what lively aerodynamics can obtain underneath the brand new laws, and their improvements counsel that the 2026 season could ship probably the most technically various grids in fashionable Method 1.

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