Building on early testing impressions, Haas driver Esteban Ocon has reiterated concerns that overtaking could remain challenging under Formula 1's 2026 regulations. He highlighted the limited advantages of Overtake Mode over DRS, speaking ahead of the season-opening Australian Grand Prix.
Formula 1's 2026 regulations feature active aerodynamics and Overtake Mode—a one-per-lap electrical power boost of 0.5MJ deployable when within one second of the car ahead—to replace DRS and aid passing. Following Haas teammates' doubts after Barcelona pre-season testing, Esteban Ocon shared simulation-based insights with Motorsport.com and media before the Australian Grand Prix.
Ocon noted Overtake Mode offers only about a tenth of a second gain, compared to DRS's six or seven tenths in recent years. "The overtake usage looks like it's only a tenth gain, while DRS last year was like six or seven tenths through the lap, so to overtake it looks quite difficult on paper," he said.
He stressed race-day uncertainties with energy management and Overtake Mode interactions, calling Albert Park "probably the most difficult track in terms of energy management." Ocon compared it to Bahrain and Barcelona, adding, "We can optimise that way as well, but in the race we don't know how that's going to work with the overtake usage... a lot of things to learn."
The 2026 F1 season begins on 8 March at Melbourne's Albert Park.
