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F1 2026 revolution: how the new overtake mode will reshape racing speed and strategy

David Castro by David Castro
December 18, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
F1 2026 revolution: how the new overtake mode will reshape racing speed and strategy

F1 2026: The Shocking New “Overtake Mode” and the Power Cut at 290 km/h!

The countdown to the 2026 Formula 1 season is on, and with it comes a radical shift in the way drivers will battle for supremacy on the track. The introduction of the new “Overtake Mode” has ignited fierce debates among fans and teams alike, but one jaw-dropping aspect stands out: a power cut kicking in at a staggering 290 km/h!

What does this mean for the high-speed duels we’ve come to expect? As the FIA and Formula 1 promise a landscape of exhilarating races filled with drama and excitement, the details of this new feature are beginning to emerge, leaving fans eager for more clarity.

So, how exactly will this new “Overtake Mode” operate? The recent announcements from the FIA have stirred up confusion. A statement from Liberty Media hinted that the energy available to the car in front would diminish after reaching 290 km/h, while the trailing car could unleash an extra 350 kW of power until 337 km/h. The question on everyone’s mind: will we witness cars flying down the straights with a mind-boggling 40 km/h difference in speed?

Let’s clear the air: the answer is a definitive no. The 2026 F1 cars are designed to be efficiency powerhouses. Initially, there were serious concerns that these machines could reach peak speeds nearing 400 km/h on the longest straights. Thankfully, those fears have been laid to rest. The regulations will indeed limit the electric motor’s power, but this will occur gradually as speeds increase.

After hitting the critical 290 km/h mark, the electric motor’s output will begin to taper off, ultimately reaching zero power at 345 km/h—a speed that won’t necessarily be achieved on every track. In “Overtake Mode,” however, the full 350 kW will be available right up to 337 km/h. Beyond this speed, even the attacking cars will experience a gradual power reduction, with a more pronounced drop-off that leads to a complete cutoff at 355 km/h. Notably, this power cut only applies to the electric components—the internal combustion engine will remain unrestricted for both the attacker and the defender.

This revolutionary setup means that during a head-to-head clash, the attacking car will enjoy a speed advantage ranging from 290 km/h to 355 km/h, encouraging overtaking maneuvers that were once limited under the DRS system. As fans know, the movable wing will no longer be exclusive to the rear; it will also make its debut at the front. However, this wing will be accessible to all drivers, regardless of whether they are trying to overtake or defend. Its primary role? To help manage battery performance rather than facilitate passing.

But when can drivers unleash this powerful “Overtake Mode”? In 2026, there will be a single detection point on each circuit, mirroring the DRS activation points of the past. If a driver is within one second of the car ahead at this point, they’ll have the green light to activate “Overtake Mode.” They can choose to utilize this extra power throughout the lap or unleash it in a single straight to maximize their chances of overtaking.

As we stand on the brink of a new era in Formula 1, the excitement is palpable. With the promise of breathtaking battles and exhilarating speed, the 2026 season is set to redefine what we know about racing. Buckle up, because it’s going to be a wild ride!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2026-formula-1-season
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