Following the tragedy of the 1994 season and the aerodynamic adjustments of 1995, the 1996 regulations focused heavily on safety and aerodynamics. The FIA introduced a "stepped" undertray to reduce downforce and minimize the chances of cars launching into the air during accidents. Additionally, cockpit sizes were increased to better protect the driver's head, and side-impact structures were strengthened.
The Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona was an all-time classic. In torrential rain, Schumacher drove a masterclass, lapping seconds faster than anyone else to take a stunning victory. It remains one of the greatest wet-weather drives in history. 1996 f1 season