According to the Federation, the new Overtake mode – which releases extra electric power from the power units – should finally encourage successful attacking moves even through the tight streets of the Principality. And there is also another key factor.
It is one of the most highly anticipated innovations of the new 2026 Formula 1 era, a regulatory revolution that promises to reshape the way Grands Prix unfold. At least compared to how fans have come to know them in recent seasons. We are talking about the “Overtake mode,” a driver-activated function controlled from the steering wheel that will effectively replace DRS, the movable rear wing system that in recent years could be deployed on straights to reduce drag and aid overtaking.
The big news is that this innovation could prove decisive – in a positive way – even at a Grand Prix traditionally considered “hostile” to overtaking, such as Monaco.
Extra electric boost
This has been suggested by Nick Tombazis (former Ferrari engineer) and Yan Monchaux, two FIA engineers who played a key role in shaping the new technical regulations. According to both the Federation and Liberty Media, these changes are designed to increase the spectacle, reward driver skill more effectively, and potentially shake up the competitive order by giving chasing teams greater opportunities to achieve strong results.
So what exactly is the Overtake mode? In simple terms, it provides an additional burst of electrical energy and power to the following car, increasing the chances of completing an overtaking move. From this season onward, power units will feature a much more balanced contribution between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, with electrical output rising from 120 kW to 350 kW – nearly tripling its previous value.
In a video released by the FIA, Monchaux spoke openly about the topic: “Monaco remains a challenge due to the nature of the circuit, but now there will be tools to promote overtaking because the Overtake mode will provide the power needed to increase the chances of success.”
More space on track
Is this too optimistic? We will find out during the race weekend of June 7. However, the prediction is not based solely on the additional power provided by the power units. On the narrow streets of the Principality, especially in recent seasons, it has become clear that the size of modern Formula 1 cars has prevented almost any kind of attacking move. Put simply, there has been a lack of physical space.
In 2026, the cars will be shorter and narrower, another factor which, according to Monchaux, could help facilitate overtaking attempts on the iconic street circuit. In recent editions, the debate over the spectacle of the Monaco Grand Prix has resurfaced: while it remains a favorite among drivers, it has not always delivered exciting racing from a sporting perspective. Victories have often been effectively decided on Saturday, either by the pole-sitter or by those starting on the front row – something that, historically, has not been limited to recent seasons.
To the point that in 2025 Liberty Media attempted to introduce more unpredictability by mandating a second compulsory pit stop for tyre changes in Monaco. The question now is whether this extra power will be enough to encourage overtaking on tight street circuits. We will find out in June. What is certain is that the pursuit of more spectacular Grands Prix is increasingly becoming the guiding principle of Formula 1.
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