Jul.30 (GMM) Formula 1 hopes its all-new 2026 cars will finally offer a solution to the growing spray problem that has crippled wet-weather racing in recent years – including last weekend’s heavily delayed Belgian GP.
The next-generation technical rules feature smaller diffusers and reduced ground effect, which FIA officials believe will drastically cut the spray clouds that currently make visibility almost impossible in the wet. Narrower tyres are also expected to help.
“The main problem is the underbody and the large diffuser,” explained Racing Bulls CEO Peter Bayer, reflecting on failed FIA tests with rain wheel covers. “This causes the water to literally shoot out the back.”
F1 ran multiple tests with wheel arches in 2023 and 2024, but they had little impact. “Whether with or without mudguards, it made little difference,” concluded Auto Motor und Sport, after trials with Ferrari at Fiorano and Mercedes at Silverstone.
Until 2026 arrives, though, pressure on the FIA is only growing. Former F1 driver Christijan Albers was furious about the Spa delay, telling De Telegraaf: “You’re simply depriving those teams of everything,” referring to teams like Red Bull that ran wet setups in anticipation of a Sunday storm. “If you look at Leclerc, for example, he was able to reap the benefits.”
“Yeah, I just didn’t think it was fair,” Albers added. “The FIA just needs to focus on these kinds of things, because this is a blunder and inexcusable.”
Red Bull’s new boss Laurent Mekies agreed. “We not only waited for the rain to stop, but then we also waited for the sun to come out, and after that, we still had many laps behind the Safety Car.”
But others backed the caution. Journalist Michael Schmidt noted: “We have to realize that if something does happen, race control will get all the flak.”
Ferrari’s Frederic Vasseur supported that view. “We can’t blame them because we would have been the first to dismantle them if something happened.”
Get ready for the ultimate Formula 1 adventure at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza—a must for every racing fan! With Grand Prix Tours, you’ll enjoy premium accommodations, expert tour hosts, and exclusive access to one of the sport’s most iconic circuits. Feel the energy of the Tifosi, witness high-speed drama, and experience the electric atmosphere of Monza firsthand. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable motorsport weekend—reserve your spot now and make memories that will last a lifetime!
SHOW PACKAGES
Take your Italian Grand Prix experience to the next level with the Italian Extravaganza! From September 8–11, 2025, enjoy exclusive tours of Ferrari, Lamborghini, Pagani, and more. Explore Modena, taste authentic balsamic vinegar, and even drive a supercar in Maranello. With expert guides and seamless planning from Grand Prix Tours, this is a motorsport dream come true—reserve your spot today!
SHOW PACKAGES
This world-famous event celebrates motorsports' golden age, transporting visitors back to the 1940s-60s when Goodwood Motor Circuit was Britain's premier racing venue. The restored circuit features exceptional wheel-to-wheel racing, while crowds embrace the nostalgic atmosphere with authentic period attire. A must-see experience for racing enthusiasts, vintage fashion fans, and anyone seeking an authentic step back in time.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2025 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas at the Circuit of the Americas - one of the world's finest racing circuits. This year's event features one of six Sprint races on the F1 schedule. Grand Prix Tours offers a fully appointed, personally tailored race experience for passionate enthusiasts at what has become a great American tradition and another anticipated sold-out event.
SHOW PACKAGES
The Indianapolis 500 is an American tradition, and the 2026 race marks the 110th year of this historic event. Guests of Grand Prix Tours will enjoy premium accommodations, options for exclusive suite access, and unforgettable race-day experiences, including a police escort to the track. Highlights include visits to the newly renovated Indy 500 Museum, Gasoline Alley, and the Dallara IndyCar Factory, plus patriotic pre-race festivities like the singing of “Back Home Again in Indiana.” Join us for our 41st trip to the legendary Indy 500!
SHOW PACKAGES
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES