In 2026, Formula 1 will enter a brand-new era: new engines, revised aerodynamics, fresh tires, sustainable fuels, and the end of both ground effect and the DRS (Drag Reduction System). Over the coming months, each aspect of the new technical and sporting regulations will be analyzed in detail to understand how they will impact performance and efficiency — with the ultimate goal of delivering closer racing, more on-track action, and greater emphasis on driver skill over pure machinery.
The DRS, which has allowed drivers to reduce drag on the rear wing and overtake more easily when within one second of the car ahead, will be replaced by the “override” button — a system that activates an additional burst of electric power. This boost can be used when a driver is within one second of a rival, following very specific rules.
How the override button works technically
The system, while complex, is clearly defined in the FIA’s 2026 Technical Regulations and will be managed and monitored by the FIA via the Standard ECU, which controls all driver inputs such as buttons, paddles, and pedals.
According to Article 5.4.8(ii) of the current technical document:
“In ‘override’ mode, the ERS-K electric power used for traction may reach up to P(kW) = 7100 − (20 × car speed in km/h) when speed < 355 km/h; P(kW) = 0 when speed ≥ 355 km/h. The details of the ‘override’ mode are defined in the Sporting Regulations.”
In practice, when the driver presses the override button, the system delivers a speed-dependent electric power boost — effective up to around 355 km/h. The faster the car goes, the smaller the boost becomes, tapering to zero at maximum speed.
To understand how much extra power a driver gets from the override button compared to the rival ahead, two technical parameters must be considered. First, the total ERS-K output cannot exceed 350 kW (Article 5.4.7). Second, cars not using the override follow a base curve for electric power output (Article 5.4.8(i)), which gradually drops to zero at 345 km/h.
This means that the car in front can use electric power only up to 345 km/h, while the chasing car — if within one second — can use the override mode for an extra burst of energy up to 355 km/h. Essentially, when the trailing driver activates the button around 345 km/h, just as the car ahead loses electric assistance, they receive roughly 200 kW of additional power, which fades progressively to zero as they reach 355 km/h.
Technical data — 2026 values (source: FIA)
| ERS-K: maximum electric power | 350 kW (Art. 5.4.7) |
|---|---|
| ERS-K base curve (speed vs power) | P(kW)=1800−5×v(km/h) <340 km/h; P(kW)=6900−20×v ≥340 km/h; P=0 at 345 km/h (Art. 5.4.8(i)) |
| Override mode (button) | P(kW)=7100−20×v(km/h) up to 355 km/h; P=0 at ≥355 km/h (Art. 5.4.8(ii)) |
| Recoverable ERS-K energy per lap | Max 8.5 MJ/lap (+0.5 MJ extra per Sporting Regulations) (Art. 5.4.10) |
| MGU-K: maximum mechanical torque | 500 Nm (Art. 5.4.11) |
| Electronic control | FIA Standard ECU; dedicated driver inputs (Arts. 8.3.1, 8.7.1–8.7.2) |
References: FIA Technical Regulations 2026, Issue 8 — 24/06/2024. Operational conditions and activation criteria will be defined in the 2026 Sporting Regulations. Note: parameters may change after early testing in Bahrain or even during the season.
Driver activation and control
The philosophy behind the system is simple — the driver remains fully in control. Article 5.14.7 specifies that maximum power demand cannot increase at full throttle “except when the driver selects the overtake mode,” which is defined in the appendices — this is where the override button fits in. The final Sporting Regulations for 2026 will determine when and how the system can be used, including any thresholds or limitations.
Drivers will be free to activate the override whenever they choose, though the real advantage will occur between 345 and 355 km/h. However, they must carefully manage their energy, since the system draws from a battery with limited capacity. The regulations state that the maximum recoverable kinetic energy per lap is “8.5 MJ,” with an additional 0.5 MJ available under certain conditions defined in the Sporting Regulations (Article 5.4.10).
What will change on track
Compared to DRS, the override mode is designed to make battles less dependent on fixed zones and more about energy management and timing. Active aerodynamics will continue to optimize downforce and drag, while the override provides the extra hybrid push for attacking moves. Together, they should produce more natural, strategic, and exciting overtakes — and top speeds that could exceed those of today’s cars.
