Mercedes, Red Bull and McLaren are among the teams to arrive with distinctive rear-wing winglets as they chase small but valuable gains around the streets of Monte Carlo.
The changes have been made possible because Monaco is the first event of the season where F1’s new straight mode system will not be used.
With no designated straight mode zones at the circuit, teams do not need the usual activation mechanisms that allow the front and rear wings to switch between low-drag and high-downforce configurations.
That has given engineers the opportunity to revise sections of the rear wing and install small winglets in areas that would normally be occupied by the actuator hardware.
Mercedes has attracted particular attention with an elaborate arrangement of winglets replacing much of its conventional actuator assembly, while Red Bull has mounted a pair of smaller wing elements above its existing housing.
McLaren is also understood to be running a similar concept.
The additions are intended to increase downforce, which is especially valuable at Monaco where cornering performance is prioritised over outright speed.
Unlike high-speed circuits where extra drag can be a significant disadvantage, Monaco’s tight and twisty layout rewards grip and stability.
The circuit’s short straights mean teams are prepared to trade aerodynamic efficiency for additional downforce.
The concepts make use of an area of the regulations that offers teams greater freedom around the rear wing mechanism housing.
While the dimensions of the main rear wing are tightly controlled, the space normally reserved for the wing activation system allows alternative solutions when straight mode is not required.
Not every team has chosen to pursue the idea. Ferrari has so far appeared to leave the area unchanged, while other teams have adopted different approaches.
Straight mode was introduced as part of F1’s 2026 regulations, replacing the drag reduction system (DRS) that had been used between 2011 and 2025.
The system allows both the front and rear wings to alter their configuration on designated sections of track to reduce drag and increase top speed.
2026 F1 Monaco Grand Prix – Schedule, how to watch, TV times & more
Discussion about this post