The new era of Formula 1 continues to spark intense debate. The 2026 regulations, which will revolutionise the cars both from an aerodynamic and power unit perspective, are still not entirely clear to anyone, not even to the Federation itself. The FIA is effectively feeling its way in the dark and already has a plan in place to modify overtaking modes should problems arise. This was explained by FIA single-seater director Nikolas Tombazis.
2026 regulations and overtaking modes
The new Formula 1 regulations are packed with innovations. Among the elements that have generated the most curiosity among fans are the new overtaking modes, which are designed to guarantee more on-track action. The first is Overtake Mode, which allows a power increase for drivers who are following a rival at a gap of less than one second.
There is also Boost Mode, another power increase that can be used both offensively and defensively. This mode allows the driver to deploy the maximum power delivered by the engine.
The battery will be recharged thanks to Recharge Mode, which activates under braking, by lifting off the throttle at the end of straights or even through corners, when only a small percentage of power is being delivered.
Is this not enough? The FIA steps in
If all of this is not enough, and overtaking turns out to be either too easy or too difficult, the FIA already has a contingency plan. Nikolas Tombazis explained this to The Race. “We are still refining things as we get all the simulations. There are aspects that we can still adjust. If we find that overtaking is a bit too difficult, we have systems to make it easier. Or, if it turns out to be too easy, we can make it more difficult. We don’t want cars to pass each other without a fight.”
“There is still a long way to go,” he continued. “Only when we have the first feedback will we be able to make changes. There will certainly be situations where we see large differences in energy, and therefore one car might not be able to defend its position properly. But we believe that as teams and drivers get used to managing the battery in a certain way, they will be able to put on a good show.”
The success of the 2026 overhaul will depend on the FIA’s ability to fine-tune these digital “tools” in real-time. By maintaining the power to adjust energy deployment parameters, the governing body hopes to avoid the pitfalls of artificial racing while ensuring that the high-tech nature of the new power units doesn’t come at the expense of pure, wheel-to-wheel combat. The first few races of the season will undoubtedly serve as a massive learning curve for both the regulators and the competitors alike.
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