As Formula 1 transitions to its 2026 technical regulations, the introduction of 'Overtake Mode' is creating a stark contrast in car speeds on the straights, leading to concerns among the driver pool regarding safety and predictability.

The core of the issue lies in the energy management of the new hybrid engines. While a chasing car activates Overtake Mode to maintain full power (350kW) up to 337km/h, the lead car is required to harvest energy, causing its power delivery to taper off significantly after 290km/h.

Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli warned that this divergence in acceleration can lead to dangerous situations, stating that the closing speeds between a car in Overtake Mode and a car suddenly slowing to harvest energy could be “very, very big.”

Furthermore, Oscar Piastri pointed out a loss of visual clarity for fans and drivers alike. While the old DRS was visually obvious when the wing popped open, the new energy-based boost is invisible. “DRS was quite nice in a way that it was very visual... Whereas now, you don’t have that visual reference,” Piastri observed.

The combination of higher acceleration out of corners—due to an MGU-K three times more powerful than in 2025—and the invisible nature of the electrical boost is turning every overtake into a high-stakes gamble of energy expenditure and timing.