For the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, several teams took advantage of the circuit’s singular layout by fitting unconventional winglets to the rear wing. The narrow, regulation‑free zone around the central part of the wing, normally occupied by Straight Line Mode (SLM) activators, was left vacant because SLM was not used for the event. This opened a window for engineers to mount additional downforce generators without worrying about the extra drag that would normally penalise a high‑speed track.
The added aero pieces were designed to increase grip through Monaco’s twisty, low‑speed sections, where mechanical grip is at a premium. Because the street circuit’s short straights limit top‑speed concerns, the teams could afford the modest drag penalty that the winglets introduced. Early telemetry suggested the modifications improved cornering stability, though the true performance gain will be measured over the weekend’s practice and qualifying sessions.
If the winglets prove effective, we can expect similar bespoke aerodynamic tweaks on other street circuits where SLM is disabled. Teams will likely refine the designs for the upcoming season, balancing the trade‑off between downforce and drag within the constraints of the FIA’s technical regulations.
