The 2026 engine regulations include an "override mode", essentially a 'push-to-pass' similar to that used in IndyCar.

The move would see the sport return to something akin to KERS, which was used between 2009 and 2013 before the new hybrid formula was introduced in 2014.

With the new feature drivers would be given a boost in performance which could be used for attacking another driver, defending one's position or simply to give more power in terms of achieving a quicker lap time.

The proposed regulations see a reduction in power output from the ICE (internal combustion engine), down from approximately 560kW to 400kW, which equates to around 535 bhp. Consequently, the FIA is seeking to increase the battery's contribution by means of compensation.

Article 5.4.8 of the draft regulations revealed on Friday reveal the plans for a new ERS-K system which will see drivers reach top speeds of 215 mph (345km/h), however an additional "override mode", provided by additional battery power, would allow drivers to increase this to 220.5 mph (355 km/h).

However, while the "override" will not be limited to certain part of circuits, as is the case with DRS, it will not be able to use it continually throughout the race as, much like Formula E, drivers would need to exercise management strategy of their energy, meaning over use of the system would leave them at risk of encountering an energy deficiency, thereby leaving them open to attack.

It is the increased contribution of the electric element of the 2026 engines that has encouraged Audi and Ford to enter, however the regulations have yet to be finalised by F1, the FIA and the teams.

For those of a technical disposition, Article 5.4.67 states that the absolute electrical DC power of the ERS-K may not exceed 350kW, while article 5.4.78 states that additionally, the electrical DC power of the ERS-K used to propel the car may not exceed:

i) P(kW) = 1850 - 5 * car speed 1800 - 5 * car speed (kph) when the car speed is below 340kph

P(kW) = 150kW 6900 - 20 * car speed (kph) when the car speed is equal to or above 340kph

P(kW) = 0 when the car speed is equal to or above 345kph

ii) In "override" mode up to:

P(kW) = 7100 - 20 * car speed (kph) when the car speed is below 355kph

P(kW) = 0 when the car speed is equal to or above 355kph

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by ffracer, 10/04/2024 19:45

"Uuuugh.

Forghieri, Chapman, Ducarouge, Gurney, Herd (and in no particular order) are turning in their graves."

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2. Posted by trackrecords, 04/04/2024 17:15

" @Chester. Why not get Microsoft involved? On the second Tuesday of every month, cars would randomly come to a halt while a major download occurs to fix the changes made 4 weeks earlier. For no apparent reason, the cars wouldn't be able to turn left, until you turned everything off and waited an eternity for it to re-start. Occasionally, the steering wheel wouldn't work for 15 minutes. It sometimes would take 10 minutes to get started. Every so often, the cockpit would have gained features that the drivers didn't want, but at the same time, the car would no longer have a left-hand side front wheel or wing. You would be pestered for the car to have a single wheel, back and front, with wheels either side... "

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3. Posted by Douglas C, 01/04/2024 20:37

"All we need now is mandatory cautions like crashcar."

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4. Posted by Spindoctor, 01/04/2024 17:38

"More silly gimmicks. PTP really only works properly in highly restrictive formulae which are not aero- limited. F1 cars are too dissimilar in PU & aero for this to work."

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5. Posted by kenji, 01/04/2024 2:53

"@ Chester...That's not a pretty picture you're painting there!!!"

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6. Posted by Celtic Tiger, 31/03/2024 19:52

"I remember a boost system that A1GP used, the drivers unlocked something like 40bhp extra for an entire lap with a limited number of uses per race; I think it was 5 uses. I did work for the most part to mix up strategy but that said, it only really worked because all cars were identical.

Which I don't see "working as intended" in a non-spec series like F1. All its going to really achieve is magnifying the dominance of one car over the other, much like DRS already does. All these gimmicky ideas, one has to wonder, is Inspector Gadget on the committee? "

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7. Posted by Endre, 31/03/2024 17:36

"Yet another gimmick and artificial passing opportunity, and then we are surprised when drivers have to use sketchy moves like Alonso when trying to defend a position.

I don't think times have ever been more ripe for the emergence of an alternate racing series based on simple rules and engines. Traditional F1 fans are all sick and tired of this pile of garbage that the sport has become."

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8. Posted by Chester, 31/03/2024 12:41

"Sounds like they will need a linear optimization model powered by a powerful processor to calculate the optimal use of extra power. What will stop such a computer-derived solution?

The higher the proportion of electric (they say 50%) the higher the probability that AI and algorithms, not human, are driving the car. It seems almost, maybe completely unavoidable. Not hopeful."

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9. Posted by kenji, 31/03/2024 12:38

"I'm confused...does the PTP sytem replace the DRS entirely?"

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10. Posted by rambler, 31/03/2024 10:26

"Next "vote for speed ups", and "drive over this part of the track for a power boost". Which Mario Kart loving, cokehead Liberty Media Executive thought this crap up? "

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2026 cars to feature 'push-to-pass'

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