F1's New Overtake Mode: Taking the Wheel from DRS
In 2026, Formula 1 bids farewell to DRS and introduces a new 'overtake mode.' This system leverages engine power over aerodynamics to assist drivers in passing their rivals.
The art of overtaking in Formula 1 gets a facelift with the 2026 regulations, as the sport waves goodbye to the drag reduction system (DRS) and welcomes a novel 'overtake mode.' This new feature is designed to aid drivers in making passes, not by reducing drag but by boosting engine power.
For years, DRS was the go-to tool for overtaking, using a rear wing mechanism to reduce drag and increase straight-line speed. However, the 2026 regulations usher in active aerodynamics, allowing all cars to reduce drag naturally on straights. But don't worry—drivers still have a trick up their sleeves with the new overtake mode, which operates quite differently.
Understanding the Overtake Mode
So, what exactly is this new mode? Instead of relying on aerodynamics, the overtake mode taps into the car's power unit configuration, giving the attacking car more engine power than the defending one. This energy boost comes from the energy recovery system, specifically the ERS-K, which can deliver up to 350kW of power.
The technical regulations specify how this power can be used, with the output depending on the car's speed. For instance, when a car is traveling under 340kph, it can use the ERS-K to a maximum power output calculated as 1800 minus five times the car's speed. This means the energy starts tapering off after reaching 290kph.
Once a car hits 340kph, the formula changes to 6900 minus 20 times the speed, reducing the power output as speed increases. By 345kph, the ERS-K output drops to zero.
The Edge of Overtake Mode
In overtake mode, however, these numbers shift. The ERS-K can output 7100 minus 20 times the car's speed, up to 355kph. For a pursuing car at 338kph, this means it can use nearly the full 340kW potential, while a car in standard mode is limited to 110kW. The advantage is clear as power tapers off more slowly, allowing drivers to maintain higher speeds longer.
For safety, the FIA can adjust the maximum power output to ensure speeds remain safe for each circuit. The maximum energy harvested per lap is 8.5MJ, with an extra 0.5MJ available in overtake mode.
When and How to Use Overtake Mode
Teams receive the details about overtake mode four weeks before any race, including detection and activation points. Unlike DRS, the detection gap isn't fixed at one second. Overtake mode isn't available on the first lap and only activates once the leader crosses the detection point. After safety car periods, it's re-enabled after all cars pass the detection point.
Conditions like poor visibility can lead the Race Director to disable the mode. It's also available in practice and qualifying, though once disabled in a session, it stays off until that segment ends. If a system failure prevents a driver from knowing when the mode is enabled, they must seek permission from the Race Director to use it manually, with the team ensuring it’s used correctly.
With these new regulations, Formula 1 continues to push technological boundaries, offering drivers a fresh set of tools to showcase their skills on the track.