Why the 2026 Floors Made Overtaking Harder Again

The regulation was meant to reduce the wake behind a car. In practice it moved the problem lower and further back, where it is harder to measure in a wind tunnel and much easier to exploit on track.

Four teams now run a floor edge with a small outward flick just ahead of the rear tyre. It seals the diffuser more aggressively at low ride heights, which is worth lap time in qualifying and a wider wake in a straight line for anyone trying to follow.

The FIA has asked for the relevant CAD files and is expected to clarify legality before the next technical directive. Until then, expect the fast circuits to look like a train again.