P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Overtaking could become meaninglessly easy in the 2026 F1 rules – or remain far too hard. Either way, the FIA has a plan
The FIA will intervene to ensure overtaking in Formula 1 is balanced with the new 2026 rules, aiming for neither too difficult nor too easy scenarios.
There is uncertainty surrounding the upcoming wheel-to-wheel racing due to the major overhaul of regulations for the new season.
The FIA and F1 are hopeful that the new combination of active aero and an engine overtake mode will enhance the racing action, but the real impact remains to be seen when cars hit the track.
Certain aspects of the 2026 rules are set, with the FIA having the ability to make adjustments on a race weekend basis, such as activation zones for overtaking modes.
Nikolas Tombazis, the FIA’s single seater director, emphasized the importance of fine-tuning the overtake mode to strike a balance between challenging and feasible passing opportunities.
The goal is to present a narrow window for overtaking that ensures a competitive fight without making it too predictable or too easy for cars to pass each other without a challenge.
