Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar stated that Formula 1 cars can now overtake with identical pace, thanks to the 2026 season's emphasis on energy management. He noted this marks a shift from last year, when attackers needed a significant speed advantage. The first three grands prix saw 149 overtakes, far more than the 63 recorded in the same races in 2025.
Red Bull Racing's Isack Hadjar commented ahead of the Japanese Grand Prix that overtaking has become feasible even between cars running at the same pace. Speaking on Thursday, he said: “I think it's the only time in a while where two cars with an identical pace can overtake each other back and forth.” Hadjar contrasted this with the previous season, where drivers typically required a six-to-eight tenths advantage, sometimes more, to pass ahead and prevent a counter-move from the car behind. He described the change as making racing better, though somewhat artificial, and called for the right balance through rule tweaks and more engineering time. Specifically, he advocated for more efficient batteries. The shift stems from F1's new power unit regulations, which boost electrical power and prioritize energy management. Drivers now brake earlier into corners, aiding overtakes. Official data shows 149 position changes from overtakes across Melbourne, Shanghai, and Suzuka in 2026—excluding lap one—compared to just 63 last year. F1 stakeholders convened on April 9 to discuss potential rule adjustments, amid concerns over drivers' ability to push in qualifying and safety issues highlighted by Oliver Bearman's heavy crash at Suzuka.
