Shanghai Circuit to Feature Four Designated Straight Mode Activation Points

The FIA has officially designated four specific locations around the Shanghai circuit where Formula 1 drivers will be permitted to deploy Straight Mode during this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix. This regulatory confirmation provides teams and drivers with clear parameters for utilizing the performance enhancement system throughout the race.

2026 F1 seasonFormula 12026 Chinese Grand PrixShanghai International Circuit

Drivers competing in this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix have received confirmation from the FIA regarding Straight Mode deployment opportunities at the Shanghai circuit. The international motorsport governing body has identified exactly four zones where competitors will have the authority to activate the system during the race.

This strategic allocation of Straight Mode zones forms part of the technical regulations governing this season's championship battle, with the Shanghai circuit joining other venues on the 2026 calendar that feature designated activation points. The FIA's decision to specify these four locations ensures consistency in how teams can utilize the performance feature while maintaining competitive balance across the diverse range of circuits on the schedule.

Teams and drivers can now strategically plan their approach to the Chinese Grand Prix with full knowledge of where they'll be permitted to engage Straight Mode, allowing for optimized energy management and tactical deployment throughout the 305-kilometer race distance.

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technical Regulations

Art. C3.10.1

Art. C3.11.1

Hover over badges for quick summaries, or scroll down for full official text and simplified explanations.

Full Regulation Text

Technical Regulations

Article C3.10.1

FIA Source

Front Wing Profiles

Chapter: C3

In Simple Terms

The front wing's main body must fit within a defined 3D space and can have up to three separate sections. When you look at the car from above, the front wing must completely cover an invisible reference profile line. This ensures all teams design wings within technical boundaries while maintaining aerodynamic fairness.

Front wing bodywork must stay completely within the allowed 3D volume (RV-FW-PROFILES)
Teams can create up to three separate, non-overlapping wing sections
In any horizontal slice through the wing, there can be maximum three distinct sections
From above, the front wing must fully obscure the reference profile (RS-FW-PROFILES) to ensure complete coverage

Official FIA Text

Front Wing Profiles Bodywork must lie in its entirety within RV-FW-PROFILES, comprise of up to three non-intersecting simply connected volumes, have up to three sections in any Y-Plane, and when viewed from above fully obscure RS-FW-PROFILES.

front wingprofilesbodyworkaerodynamicstechnical regulations

2026 Season Regulations

Technical Regulations

Article C3.11.1

FIA Source

Rear Wing Profiles

Chapter: C3

In Simple Terms

The rear wing must fit within a specific design area and can have up to three separate sections. It cannot have inward-curving surfaces visible from underneath, and any inward curves visible from above must have a minimum radius of 100mm to ensure safety and fair aerodynamic performance.

Rear wing bodywork must stay within the defined RV-RW-PROFILES design box
Maximum of three non-overlapping sections allowed in the rear wing structure
No concave (inward-curving) surfaces allowed when viewed from below
Any concave surfaces visible from above must have at least 100mm radius to prevent sharp curves

Official FIA Text

Rear Wing Profiles Bodywork must lie in its entirety within RV-RW-PROFILES, comprise of up to three non-intersecting simply connected volumes, and contain no concave radius of curvature visible from below and no concave radius less than 100mm visible from above.

rear wingbodywork profileconcave radiusaerodynamic bodyworkwing design

2026 Season Regulations