The FIA has confirmed that there will be no Straight Mode zone during the Monaco GP. This will be the first time during a Grand Prix that this active aerodynamics mode is not active during the race in the principality. Both the front and rear wings of all Formula 1 cars will remain closed throughout the race weekend in Monaco.
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The Monaco GP is known for the narrow streets the drivers have to race through, but in recent years there has been a DRS zone over the start-finish line between Anthony Noghes and Sainte Devote at every edition. However, the Straight Mode – the successor to DRS from 2026 – is missing during this year’s Monaco GP as can be seen on the official track map published by the FIA. As a result, both the front and rear wings remain closed for the drivers throughout the weekend.
The most likely reason behind the removal of Straight Mode for Monaco is safety. Drivers lose a significant amount of downforce in Straight Mode. This makes the cars less stable, and the start-finish line at Monaco forms a corner. It is the first time that Straight Mode is missing during a Grand Prix this year. During the Canadian GP, there were still three of these zones on the map.
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Overtake Mode
Drivers can still use Overtake Mode during the Grand Prix when they are within one second of the car ahead. The detection zones for this mode are located between the Swimming Pool chicane and Rascasse, and activation takes place just before turns 18 and 19.
Whether the use of Overtake Mode will lead to more overtakes in Monte Carlo this year remains to be seen. Gabriel Bortoleto also has doubts. “I think it will be difficult to overtake in Monaco, to be honest,” he explained in Canada. “I mainly hope that the racing will be more fun than last year, but we know that we are now driving these big cars and that overtaking is unfortunately not easy. The expectation is therefore that it will not be very different from before, but I hope I am wrong. We will see.”
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