P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 star admits major concerns about ‘difficult’ new car after Barcelona test
F1 star Esteban Ocon shared his first impressions on the new 2026 cars, warning that they are expected to be slower due to a raft of regulation changes. DRS has been replaced by an ‘overtake mode’ boost using electrical energy, with redesigned front and rear wings that open in high speed zones and close for extra downforce in corners. Ocon and his teammate Ollie Bearman expressed concerns about the new challenges of overtaking and following closely, noting the significant shift in air balance compared to previous generations of cars. The introduction of ‘overtake mode’ allows drivers to deploy extra power to attempt to pass another driver on the track, giving them more control compared to the previous DRS system. Christian Horner declared ‘unfinished business’ in F1 as Red Bull faced warnings about a potential Max Verstappen exit, highlighting the ongoing drama and anticipation surrounding the sport.
