Mercedes Tests Movable Wing Antonelli Leads Innovation

On Tuesday, Mercedes took the lead in testing a movable front wing during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, marking the beginning of a new era in Formula 1 with the introduction of active aerodynamics. Andrea Kimi Antonelli had the honor of being the first to test this new technology. The design was rudimentary, with a simple mechanism intended to simulate the aerodynamic load of 2026.

Regular driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli drove on Tuesday in a so-called mule car, a vehicle designed to simulate the characteristics of the 2026 cars. The young Italian tested the new tires for the upcoming year, which will be significantly narrower than the current compounds. To investigate the interaction between the new aerodynamics and the tires, his Mercedes was equipped with an experimental front wing. The mechanism consists of tubes running from the aero-flaps to the nose.

Aerodynamics on Mercedes’ Front Wing

The system on Mercedes’ front wing still looks quite simple, but it provides the teams and Pirelli with valuable insights into the aerodynamic properties of 2026. Next year, not only will the engine regulations be overhauled; the chassis will also undergo a major update. DRS will disappear and be replaced by new, active aerodynamics. On the straights, both the front and rear wings will activate moving elements to create less air resistance.

Several drivers are allowed to test a similar system; all teams have been given permission to simulate the effects of the new regulations. To keep the tests safe and manageable, Pirelli has imposed a speed limit: cars with only a moving rear wing are allowed to drive up to 300 km/h, while cars with a moving front wing system have no speed restriction.

Who will be participating in the post-season test?