Formula 1, Sportrik Media - FIA has introduced a late change to the circuit configuration at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix by removing one straight mode (SM) zone at Albert Park Circuit after drivers raised safety concerns during Friday’s briefing in Melbourne.
The affected SM zone was located in the high-speed section between Turns 8 and 9. With its removal, the total number of straight mode zones around the circuit has been reduced from five to four for the remainder of the race weekend.
Straight mode allows the front and rear wings to move into a low-drag, low-downforce configuration designed to increase top speed on straights. However, the section between Turns 8 and 9 includes a fast sweeping bend rather than a traditional straight, which prompted concerns from several drivers.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis explained that the decision followed feedback from drivers who believed the reduction in downforce could make the cars unstable in that area, particularly when racing closely with rivals.
“On most circuits these zones are in genuine straight sections,” Tombazis said.
“But at a few tracks, including Melbourne, they include parts of the circuit that are quite curved. Some drivers expressed concern that the downforce in that area was too low, especially if they were fighting for position.”
The FIA’s analysis revealed that several teams were experiencing larger-than-expected downforce losses when straight mode was activated. This created a bigger shift in aerodynamic balance than originally anticipated, increasing the risk of instability through the fast section.
According to Tombazis, the impact of the system varied significantly between cars, but the governing body chose to implement a universal change rather than adjusting requirements for individual teams.
The revised configuration came into effect from the third practice session and will remain in place for qualifying and the race.
Tombazis acknowledged that the change is significant for teams, as they had run Friday’s sessions with a different aerodynamic setup and now need to adjust their cars accordingly.
He also outlined that the FIA evaluates straight mode zones based on three key factors: the overall downforce level of the cars, the percentage of downforce lost when the system is activated, and the aerodynamic balance shift between the front and rear axles.
With new data emerging from the first race weekend of the 2026 season, the FIA indicated it may consider future technical adjustments to limit the extent of downforce reduction under straight mode. However, Tombazis noted that introducing such changes immediately during the race weekend would not have been practical.
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