F1 teams unveil unique rear-wing winglets for Monaco GP

Mercedes, Red Bull, and McLaren have arrived at the Monaco Grand Prix with distinctive rear-wing winglets, capitalizing on the fact that the circuit is the first this season without straight mode activation zones. The absence allows engineers to replace the usual actuator hardware with downforce-producing elements, offering a small but valuable performance gain around the tight, low-speed street circuit. This creative interpretation of the regulations highlights the ongoing technical arms race in Formula 1.

Why it matters:

Monaco's slow-speed corners and short straights prioritize grip and mechanical stability over top speed. Any extra downforce can make a significant difference in lap time, especially during qualifying where margins are razor-thin. These winglets represent a clever exploitation of regulatory flexibility when straight mode is not required, giving teams a potential edge in race preparation.

The details:

• Mercedes has attracted particular attention with an elaborate arrangement of winglets that largely replaces its conventional actuator assembly, maximizing the available space.
• Red Bull has mounted a pair of smaller wing elements above its existing housing, a more conservative but effective approach.
• McLaren is also understood to be running a similar concept, though specific design details remain closely guarded.
• Ferrari has so far left the area unchanged, opting for a different philosophy, while other teams have adopted varied approaches.
• The modifications are enabled by the regulations' freedom around the rear wing mechanism housing when straight mode — which replaced DRS in 2026 — is not used. Monaco is the only circuit this year without designated straight mode zones.

The big picture:

While the absolute gains are small, Monaco is a circuit where every tenth of a second counts. Teams that have opted for these modifications hope the extra downforce will improve corner exit speed and tire management on the bumpy surface. The absence of straight mode also means drivers won't have the overtaking aid, making qualifying position even more critical. This could lead to a strategic battle where track position is paramount, and the winglet advantage might tip the scales in tight midfield fights.