The 2026 Formula 1 season will bring one of the most significant changes in recent years, with cars becoming smaller, shorter, and lighter, while the electric component of the power unit will increase to 50%.
More overtakes expected in unexpected areas
Mercedes driver George Russell explained that overtaking will happen differently next season. He said, “I think next year we’ll see more overtakes, but in unusual parts of the track, places where we’ve never seen them before. If a driver is running low on battery and the car behind has more energy in a certain section, they’ll be able to overtake in a corner where it was never possible before.”
Regarding the new energy “override” system, George Russell added, “As for the override itself, I’m not sure, but in the past we never liked seeing overtakes happening just thanks to DRS. I think the 2026 rules will deliver better races.”
The override system will replace the DRS from 2026, aiming to make overtaking more strategic and less dependent on aerodynamic aids.
Pirelli and the new tires
Another major change will concern the tires. Pirelli is developing a new compound to match the new regulations. When asked if he had any special requests for Pirelli regarding this, George Russell replied, “We drivers are selfish, we want the best cars, the fastest cars, the most fun to drive.”
He elaborated on his ideal tire scenario: “I don’t know what the perfect solution is. If I could magically create tires for a 60-lap race: the Hard tire would last 30 laps before dropping performance, the Medium 20 laps and then degrade sharply, and the Soft 10 laps and then completely fall off. If we could get something like that, it would be perfect.”
George Russell acknowledged the challenge for Pirelli: “I understand it’s not easy for them, developing a tire for such diverse circuits, each with different asphalt. If all tracks had the same surface, it would be easier for them to create a tire with the characteristics I mentioned.”
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