F1technical.net

if F1 cars employed fan-assisted aerodynamics, would acceleration be quicker
because the tires have traction at low speeds? Are there any similar methods to such "active" aerodynamics?

Variable flaps are an idea but are outlawed, among other things. In 2004 some teams experimented with flexing rear wing flaps: at higher speeds flap gaps would come close to zero, reducing the amount of downforce and essentially drag.

Am I right in thinking these were banned as far back as the Gold Leaf Lotus days when Graham Hill had his mishap at Monaco or am I talking out of my behind?

Scruderia_Russ, I believe you are correct but the ban was on "moveable" aerodynamic devices.

The teams interpreted this as one that is designed to be adjustable, rather than just a flexable part.