Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman from Haas have expressed concerns about overtaking with the new 2026 Formula 1 cars after testing in Barcelona. The drivers noted challenges in following other cars and using the new Overtake Mode. Despite aerodynamic changes aimed at improving racing, early impressions suggest passing may remain difficult.
The Barcelona pre-season shakedown for Formula 1's 2026 cars provided Haas drivers Esteban Ocon and Oliver Bearman with their first extended experience of the revamped machinery. Over three days, they completed nearly 400 laps in the VF-26, which adheres to new chassis and engine regulations. These include stripped-down aerodynamics, with downforce reduced by 15-30% and drag cut by up to 40%.
Ocon, who followed several cars during the test, highlighted a significant loss of front load in dirty air. "I've been following a few cars," he said. "You seem to lose quite a lot of front load, a bit more maybe than before, but we need to see." Regarding the new Overtake Mode—a power boost available when within one second of a rival, replacing DRS—he added, "I played with it... But so far, it looks to be difficult to pass. That's my first thought about it, but I hope it's going to get on the easier side."
Bearman, the 20-year-old Briton in his sophomore season, echoed these sentiments, describing a 'quite a big shift in car balance' when behind another car. "It was a bit more challenging to follow," he commented after limited laps in traffic. "It picked up quite a big shift in balance compared to clean air, which seemed a bit more so than the previous generation of cars. But again, it's very early days." He tested Overtake Mode in clean air but not while attempting to pass.
Ocon also voiced mild disappointment with the new active aerodynamics system, which adjusts front and rear wings to reduce drag on straights and increase downforce in corners. He compared it to the old DRS, calling it "just DRS with the front." Later, he softened his view, saying his initial words were "a bit extreme" and that it could be used in a better way.
These early tests suggest that while the 2026 regulations aim to enhance close racing, overtaking challenges may persist, pending further optimization.