FIA Sets Three Straight Mode Zones for Mexican Grand Prix
The FIA has announced three Straight Mode zones for the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix. This feature, part of 2026's technical regulations, enhances speed by altering aerodynamics.
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will host the Mexican Grand Prix with three designated Straight Mode zones, as confirmed by the FIA. Straight Mode, a feature introduced this year, is part of Formula 1's new technical regulations that involve active aerodynamics. This allows drivers to adjust wing angles for optimal performance, balancing downforce and drag.
In Straight Mode, both the front and rear wings shift to a low-drag setup, boosting speed on straights but only within specific zones defined by the FIA. While the number of zones varies across circuits, Mexico will mirror the layout seen in Miami and Montreal with three zones. This contrasts with the five zones at the Australian GP and Monaco's zero, the latter owing to its tight circuit.
For the Mexican Grand Prix, the first zone starts 70 meters after Turn 17, extending 150 meters beyond the corner, enhancing speed on the approach to Turn 1. The second zone kicks off 150 meters after Turn 3, lasting 80 meters, and the third begins 70 meters post-Turn 11, ending 150 meters after the corner. Additionally, Overtake Mode detection is positioned mid-Turn 15, with activation in mid-Turn 17.
Here's how the number of Straight Mode zones varies across the F1 2026 calendar: Australia (5), China (4), Japan (2), Miami (3), Canada (3), Monaco (0), Barcelona (4), Austria (4), Britain (4), Belgium (5), Hungary (4), Netherlands (2), Italy (4), Spain (2), Azerbaijan (2), Bahrain (4), Singapore (5), United States (2), and Mexico (3).