What happened to DRS in the 2026 F1 season?
DRS disappears in 2026. Active aerodynamics and overtake mode replace it: what DRS did, what replaces it and how overtaking changes.
Summary
- DRS was a movable rear wing that opened on straights so the chasing car had less drag; you had to be within one second of the car ahead.
- In 2026 it disappears: the wings move on their own between a low-drag mode (straights) and a high-downforce mode (corners).
- To overtake you now use overtake mode, which gives the chaser extra electrical energy, plus a maximum-power button.
Step by step
What DRS was
A rear-wing mechanism that lifted a flap to reduce drag on the straight. It could be used if the car was within one second of the car ahead at the detection point.
What replaces it: active aerodynamics
The movable elements of the front and rear wings switch on their own between a low-drag and a high-downforce configuration, depending on whether the car is on a straight or in a corner.
Straight mode ≠ help to overtake
Unlike DRS, straight mode opens in marked zones and does not require being within a second of a rival: it is mainly for efficiency, not for overtaking.
Overtake mode
The tool for passing another car: it adds electrical energy instead of opening a flap. It can only be used within one second of the car ahead at the detection point, and that energy can be spent all at once or spread over a lap.
Maximum-power button
In addition, the driver can press a button to deploy maximum engine and battery power anywhere on the lap if they have charge left.
Is there more or less overtaking without DRS?
Clean on-track overtakes per race this season compared with the previous one.
Did you get it?
Glossary
- DRS
- Drag reduction system: a movable rear wing that opened on straights so the chasing car was faster. Until 2025; in 2026 active aerodynamics and overtake mode replace it.
- Active aerodynamics
- Front and rear wings that move on their own between a low-drag position (straights) and a high-downforce one (corners). One of the 2026 novelties.
- Overtake mode
- Extra electrical energy the chasing car can use when within one second of the car ahead at the detection point. It replaces DRS in 2026.
Sources
- DRS was a rear-wing mechanism that reduced drag on the straight and could be used within one second of the car ahead at the detection point. Sky Sports · F1 2026: new racing rules for DRS replacement (overtake mode, boost mode and active aero)
- In 2026 the movable elements of the front and rear wings switch on their own between a low-drag configuration and a high-downforce one, depending on whether they are on a straight or in a corner. The Race · Boost, overtake mode, active aero: key 2026 terms explained
- Straight mode opens in predetermined zones and, unlike DRS, does not require being within a second of the rival (Motorsport Magazine and The Race); overtake mode, however, is tied to the one-second gap (Sky Sports). Motorsport Magazine · Overtaking rebooted: what F1 racing will be like in 2026
- Overtake mode adds electrical energy and can be used in one go or spread over a lap; "boost" mode is a driver button for maximum engine and battery power anywhere if there is charge. Sky Sports · F1 2026: new racing rules for DRS replacement (overtake mode, boost mode and active aero)
Sources checked on 18 October 2026. Valid for: 2026 regulations (sources differ on some details). The explanations are popular-level: for the exact rules, check the FIA sporting regulations.