Energy management is the new DRS: Kimi Antonelli explains 2026’s “chess game” racing. F1 drivers will face a new overtaking challenge with the 2026 cars.

Drivers face a new overtaking challenge with 2026 cars: what changes and how

The 2026 Formula 1 cars have been completely redesigned compared to the previous generation. The changes will not only affect driving style but also how drivers manage different phases of a race. One of the most important aspects of this new technical cycle centers around the car’s battery, which introduces a fresh challenge for drivers.

Formula 1 has bid farewell to the DRS, the movable rear wing flap that allowed drivers less than a second behind their rival to gain speed on the straights. This mechanism will no longer exist, but the cars will now have greater power to deploy, helping drivers in overtaking maneuvers.

Drivers are still adapting to the new mechanisms of these cars, and energy management has become a crucial factor for on-track performance.

Antonelli explains the new approach to wheel-to-wheel racing

Kimi Antonelli discussed the new challenge for drivers as they manage overtakes differently with the 2026 cars. Races will require much more strategy, particularly regarding optimal battery usage.

“The way you have to use your energy while fighting with others is also a big step. I think this year you’ll need to approach the season with a very open mindset and, in a way, be quite creative,” the Italian told GPblog.

“You can play a lot with energy, especially when battling other drivers. It’s like playing chess, but you don’t have much time to plan each move. You always need to try to be two steps ahead of the others.” – the Mercedes driver pointed out.

Adapting to the new cars

Drivers have already completed their first laps on track during the Barcelona tests and various filming days used by some teams. Some will adapt more quickly to this new generation of cars, but Kimi Antonelli emphasized that eventually all drivers will find the right feeling.

Simulator hours will be essential for this adaptation. Teams will spend significant time refining this approach while preparing for the Bahrain tests. The main focus in Sakhir could be testing different energy deployment configurations, which will have a major impact on lap times and how the cars reach maximum performance.

The transition to the 2026 regulations marks a significant evolution in Formula 1’s racing DNA, moving away from aerodynamic aids like DRS toward a more tactical, energy-driven competition. As Kimi Antonelli highlighted, the “chess game” of battery management will reward drivers who can combine raw speed with creative strategic thinking during wheel-to-wheel battles. The success of this new era will depend on how teams and drivers master these delivery configurations, ensuring that the spectacle of overtaking remains as intense and skill-based as ever before.