Melbourne's Circuit Enhanced with Additional Straight Mode Zone for 2026

The Australian Grand Prix is implementing a significant change to its DRS configuration for the 2026 season. This year's event will feature five Straight Mode zones, representing an increase from the four zones that were in place during the previous year's competition.

The Albert Park circuit is set for a notable modification to its aerodynamic assistance system ahead of this year's race. Following last year's setup with four DRS zones, the 2026 Melbourne Grand Prix will now operate with five Straight Mode zones, offering drivers additional opportunities to deploy the overtaking aid throughout the lap.

This expansion in Straight Mode availability reflects the ongoing evolution of the circuit's technical specifications and could have meaningful implications for racing strategy and passing opportunities during the upcoming Australian fixture.

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Related Regulations

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sporting Regulations

Art. 33.1

Art. B7.1.2

technical Regulations

Art. 3.10

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Full Regulation Text

Sporting Regulations

Article 33.1

FIA Source

DRS Activation

Chapter: Chapter III - DRS

In Simple Terms

DRS (Drag Reduction System) opens the rear wing for a speed boost on straights. You can only use it in marked zones AND only if you're within 1 second of the car ahead at the detection point. It's disabled at race start and in wet conditions for safety.

Only usable in designated zones
Must be within 1 second of car ahead
Disabled at race start initially
Can be disabled in wet conditions

Official FIA Text

DRS may only be used in designated DRS zones. A driver may only activate DRS when he is within one second of the car ahead at the detection point. DRS will be disabled at the start of the race until the Race Director determines conditions are safe for its use.

overtaking aidsracing ruleswet weatherDRSdrag reductionovertakingrear wingdetection zone

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article 3.10

FIA Source

DRS System

Chapter: Chapter III - Bodywork

In Simple Terms

DRS lets the rear wing flap open on straights to reduce drag and boost top speed by 10-15 km/h. It's driver-activated via a button but only works in designated zones and when close to another car. The system must fail-safe to the closed position if there's any malfunction.

Rear wing flap opens to reduce drag
Provides 10-15 km/h speed advantage
Must fail-safe to closed position
Single actuation method only

Official FIA Text

The rear wing is permitted to have one adjustable bodywork element for the purpose of improving overtaking opportunities. This adjustable element may only move in a prescribed manner within defined limits and must return to its closed position within a specified time.

overtakingaerodynamicsstraight line speedDRSrear wingadjustableovertakingdrag reduction

2026 Season Regulations

Sporting Regulations

Article B7.1.2

FIA Source

Enabling & Disabling Use of Driver Adjustable Bodywork System

Chapter: B7

In Simple Terms

When the safety car comes out, drivers lose the ability to adjust their car's bodywork for aerodynamic performance. The system turns back on once the safety car crosses the first safety line as it heads back to the pit lane. However, the Race Director can prevent full activation if there are safety concerns.

Driver Adjustable Bodywork (DRS) is automatically disabled when the safety car is deployed
DRS re-enables when the safety car crosses the first safety car line during its return to the pit lane
Race Director has discretionary power to disable full activation for safety reasons
This rule ensures controlled aerodynamic adjustments during safety car periods

Official FIA Text

When safety car is deployed the Driver Adjustable Bodywork system will be disabled. It will be enabled when the safety car crosses the first safety car line on the lap it returns to the Pit Lane. Race Director may disable full activation for safety reasons.

driver adjustable bodyworkdrssafety caraerodynamicpit lane

2026 Season Regulations