Source:REUTERS/Hollie Adams
[Saba Sports News] In the 2026 F1 season, drivers will be introduced to a brand new tool—Overtake Mode. What exactly is it, and how does the new system operate? Essentially, Overtake Mode serves as a replacement for the DRS system, which was officially abolished at the end of 2025. This is a performance assist system designed to create more overtaking opportunities for drivers. Overtake Mode allows drivers to recover an additional 0.5 megajoules of energy per lap, resulting in higher speeds. The activation logic for this system is similar to that of DRS: drivers must be within a second of the car in front at a detection point to qualify for this additional power, and it can only be activated in the next lap. If the driver fails to complete the overtaking maneuver, the gap to the car in front must again exceed one second by the next time they pass the detection point. Moreover, like the DRS rules, the system cannot be used in the following lap. Unlike DRS, which reduces drag by adjusting the rear wing, Overtake Mode relies on the MGU-K motor to provide an additional power advantage by outputting electric energy.
The editor believes that Overtake Mode is one of the core new regulations introduced in the 2026 season, aiming to enhance overtaking opportunities and the overall viewing experience, addressing the increased difficulty of overtaking following the removal of the DRS system.