“Overtakes in obscure locations” predicted for F1 2026 with post-DRS cars

The 2026 season will usher in one of the most comprehensive regulatory overhauls in Formula 1’s modern history. At its core, the new rules introduce a dramatically revised power unit architecture, featuring a near 50:50 split between internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric power. This shift is designed to align Formula 1 more closely with global sustainability goals and attract new manufacturers by emphasizing hybrid technology and sustainable fuels. Simultaneously, chassis design will undergo a radical transformation, incorporating active aerodynamics that will allow cars to achieve significantly lower drag on straights. This innovation is intended to reduce the "dirty air" effect, which currently hinders cars following closely, and promote more direct on-track battles.

A pivotal change stemming from these aerodynamic revisions is the abolition of the Drag Reduction System (DRS), a controversial feature introduced in 2011 to facilitate overtaking. In its place, the sport will implement a "Manual Override Mode," a system likened to IndyCar’s "push-to-pass" mechanism. This mode is designed to provide drivers with a temporary burst of additional power or reduced drag, offering a strategic tool for offensive and defensive maneuvers without the predictable nature often associated with DRS zones.

Russell, while acknowledging some uncertainty regarding the precise impact of the Manual Override Mode, remains convinced that the fundamental redesign of the cars will be a net positive for the racing. The new regulations are expected to result in lighter, more agile cars, which he believes will intrinsically improve the racing product in potentially unforeseen ways.

"I think you’ll see more overtakes next year, but more overtakes in obscure locations, in locations where we’ve never seen overtakes before," the Mercedes racer stated, highlighting a potential paradigm shift in race craft. He elaborated on how the revised energy management systems could open up new strategic avenues. "If a driver’s at the bottom of their battery, and the one behind has more battery in a given section of the track, they can suddenly jump past them at a corner in the past where there would never be an overtake." This suggests that sophisticated energy deployment, rather than solely aerodynamic advantage, will become a crucial factor in successful overtaking, adding a layer of tactical complexity previously absent.

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The sentiment among drivers has long leaned towards a desire for more organic, skill-based overtakes, moving away from what some critics perceived as "artificial" DRS-assisted passes. Russell echoed this view, commenting, "In terms of override itself, I don’t know, but we said in the past we never like to see just pure DRS overtakes. I think the 2026 regs will offer better racing." This indicates a shared hope within the paddock that the new rules will encourage genuine wheel-to-wheel combat and reward strategic thinking and driver skill more overtly.

Beyond the power unit and aerodynamic changes, tyre development for 2026 is also a critical component of the regulatory package. Pirelli, Formula 1’s sole tyre supplier, is currently developing narrower tyres for the new era. This change in dimensions is expected to reduce aerodynamic turbulence from the wheels and contribute to the overall goal of creating nimbler cars. However, Pirelli faces the perennial challenge of balancing the need for durable compounds that allow drivers to push consistently with the desire to create strategic variety through tyre degradation.

Russell articulated the drivers’ inherent perspective on tyre performance versus the broader entertainment imperative. "We are selfish as drivers, and you want the best cars, and the fastest cars, and the most enjoyable cars for us," he admitted. "We have to recognise that we are one of 20, and there’s 100+ million people following the sport week in, week out." This highlights the constant tension between maximizing performance for the competitors and delivering an engaging spectacle for the global audience.

He further elaborated on an ideal, albeit hypothetical, tyre scenario: "If you could magically create a tyre, you’d say, if it’s a 60-lap race, a hard tyre could do 30 laps, and then it falls off a cliff, the medium does 20 laps, and it falls off a cliff, and the soft does 10 laps, and then it falls off a cliff. If you could magically achieve that, I guess that would be the perfect scenario, and then drivers can pick and choose different strategies." This "cliff" effect, where tyre performance drops sharply after a certain number of laps, is a concept often discussed in F1, as it forces strategic decisions regarding pit stops and tyre compounds. A more predictable degradation curve, as Russell describes, would allow teams to engineer more diverse and compelling race strategies.

Acknowledging the immense difficulty of Pirelli’s task, Russell added, "But, I do appreciate for Pirelli it’s really not easy – developing a tyre, when we go to all these different circuits and all the circuits have different tarmacs as well, is very difficult. So, if all the tarmacs were the same across the tracks, then it would be much easier for them to develop a tyre to achieve something as we’ve spoken." The varied track surfaces, temperatures, and layouts across the F1 calendar present a complex engineering challenge for tyre development, requiring compounds that perform reliably under a wide range of conditions.

Amidst the anticipation for 2026, Mercedes’ current efforts in the constructors’ championship reflect a strategic balancing act. At the time of Russell’s comments, Mercedes was engaged in a tight battle for the runner-up position in the Constructors’ Championship, with Ferrari leading slightly with 356 points, followed closely by Mercedes at 355 points, and Red Bull with 346 points. This fierce competition for the "best of the rest" title underscores the competitive intensity of the current season. Despite this ongoing fight, Russell reiterated his team’s overwhelming commitment to the future project.

"We probably have 95% of the team working on 2026," the Briton confirmed, illustrating the significant resource allocation towards the new regulations. This approach is common among top teams when major regulatory shifts are on the horizon, as early development can provide a crucial competitive advantage. While the race weekend crew, described by Russell as "the final warriors," remains focused on optimizing the current year’s car, the vast majority of the factory’s engineering and design capabilities are already dedicated to the 2026 challenger.

Russell’s own professional activities reflect this future-oriented strategy. "Even for me now, when I drive on the simulator, I’m driving only next year’s car, and focused on that. So, yeah, a lot of emphasis for 2026." Driver input during the early simulation phases is invaluable for guiding the development of the new car, ensuring it aligns with driving characteristics and performance objectives. This early engagement allows teams to fine-tune concepts long before physical components are manufactured, underscoring the high stakes and deep commitment of Mercedes to securing a strong position in Formula 1’s next chapter.

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Jonas Leo: Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.