FIA introduces five straight-line mode zones at Spa for Belgian Grand Prix

The FIA has confirmed a revised active aerodynamics configuration for this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix, introducing five Straight-Line Mode (SM) zones around the iconic Spa-Francorchamps circuit.

It is the highest number of SM zones seen since the opening round of the 2026 Formula 1 season in Australia and reflects the unique energy management challenges presented by one of the championship's longest and fastest venues.

Under Formula 1's 2026 regulations, the traditional DRS system has been replaced by active aerodynamics. Drivers can switch their cars into Straight-Line Mode to reduce aerodynamic drag on designated sections of the circuit, improving top speed and reducing the strain on the hybrid power unit before the car automatically returns to its high-downforce configuration for cornering.

Explaining the changes, the FIA said: "Straight-line mode will be available on the approach to Eau Rouge at this weekend's Belgian Grand Prix at Spa."

The governing body added: "Drivers activate straight mode to enhance speed on the straights by reducing drag before cars revert to their natural configuration to maximise downforce in the corners."

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of an SM zone between La Source and Eau Rouge, allowing teams to utilize the movable aerodynamic elements on one of Formula 1's most famous stretches of asphalt. However, the system will deactivate before drivers enter the high-speed Eau Rouge-Raidillon complex.

According to the FIA: "The move to place an SM zone between La Source and Eau Rouge will see moveable wings used at that section of the lap for the first time in 14 years."

Alongside the five Straight-Line Mode zones, Overtake Mode—the 2026 replacement for DRS-assisted overtaking—will be available on the start/finish straight. Drivers running within one second of the car ahead will be able to access an additional power boost, creating another overtaking opportunity at the end of Spa's lap.

The FIA confirmed: "Overtake Mode will be available on the start/finish straight at Spa."

While the additional Straight-Line Mode zones will help reduce drag and improve energy efficiency, Spa remains one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar for hybrid energy deployment.

Aston Martin driver Fernando Alonso explained that drivers cannot simply deploy electrical energy on every straight, as doing so would leave them without battery power for the remainder of the lap.

"Silverstone and Spa, they are very thirsty on energy and you cannot deploy on all the straights," noted the Spaniard.

He continued: "If you deploy at Spa from Turn 1 to 5, finito for the rest of the lap. You need to save a little bit there to have deployment from [Turn] 14 [Stavelot] to the Bus Stop."

With five Straight-Line Mode zones now available at Spa, the FIA hopes to ease some of those energy management constraints while maintaining the circuit's challenging high-speed character. Alonso also pointed out the difficult compromise teams face under the new power unit regulations.

"But if you deploy on those two straights, which is the optimal deployment, then there is a one-minute Sector 2 with no deployment at all. And with no deployment at all, we cannot forget that this year we have significantly less power than last year and less power than F2."