The FIA planned to remove a straight mode zone at the 2026 Australian Grand Prix for safety reasons but reversed the decision following objections from Formula 1 teams. The move stemmed from concerns raised in a drivers' briefing about low downforce in traffic. Drivers also voiced strong criticism of the new 2026 regulations during the intense meeting in Melbourne.
At the 2026 Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, the FIA initially decided to eliminate straight mode zone 4, located between Turns 8 and 9 at Albert Park, ahead of third free practice (FP3). This zone, part of the active aerodynamics introduced for 2026 to aid energy harvesting with the new power units, includes a snaking section leading to the high-speed Turns 9-10. During Friday's drivers' briefing, several drivers expressed worries that low downforce with wings open could lead to loss of control, especially when fighting for position.
FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis explained that analysis after the briefing revealed seven of the 11 teams faced varying downforce issues in this area, more severe than anticipated. 'We had a meeting yesterday with the drivers and some expressed a concern that the downforce in that area was a bit too low,' Tombazis said. The proposal was announced to teams around 9:45 a.m. Australian time, just 2.5 hours before FP3, without prior consultation with technical directors.
Teams pushed back strongly, citing the last-minute timing, which would require hasty adjustments to car set-ups and energy deployment strategies developed over months. Removing the zone could disadvantage teams that had optimized for it, acting as an 'artificial leveller,' and worsen energy recovery on Melbourne's 'harvesting-poor' track. Audi was among those advocating for the change, with driver Gabriel Bortoleto noting understeer risks: 'I had a bit of understeer and I almost crashed with one of the Ferraris.'
Less than an hour before FP3, the FIA rescinded the decision following feedback and additional team analysis. 'The decision to remove Straight Mode zone #4 for Albert Park is rescinded,' the FIA stated, confirming the zone would remain in use for FP3 with further evaluation planned. Tombazis acknowledged the pushback: 'My phone had been vibrating throughout my media availability.'
The briefing also turned to broader 2026 regulations, sparking intense debate. Max Verstappen reiterated his dissatisfaction, calling the cars 'Formula E on steroids' and stating, 'I'm not enjoying it at all.' Lando Norris described them as 'probably the worst' ever, adding, 'We've come from the best cars ever made in Formula 1.' Lewis Hamilton and Lance Stroll echoed concerns, with Stroll lamenting, 'Cars are getting worse every year.' Norris emphasized drivers' focus on the sport's interests: 'We want the best for the sport.'
Tombazis noted similar issues may arise at three or four other circuits, with future adjustments possible, such as regulating minimum downforce or shortening zones. An evaluation is scheduled after the Chinese Grand Prix, though drivers like Oscar Piastri highlighted fundamental challenges: 'There's clearly some fundamental things that won't be very easy to fix.' The incident underscores the new rules as a work in progress, even mid-race weekend.
