2025/2026 Hybrid Powerunit speculation

[MtthsMlw]

Does anybody understand the new "boost mode" and "overtake mode" terminology? What's the difference between those modes (apart from overtake activation limited to being within 1 sec).

I've read a few different articles and am struggling...

Boost Mode

What it is: A driver-operated energy deployment tool drawn from the Energy Recovery System (ERS).

How it works: At the push of a button, drivers can access maximum combined power from the engine and battery -- anywhere on track. It can be used offensively to attack or defensively to protect position.

Why it matters: Boost Mode puts control firmly in the driver's hands and adds a new layer of racecraft, particularly in wheel-to-wheel battles.

Overtake Mode

What it is: Overtake Mode replaces the Drag Reduction System (DRS), which had been used since 2011, as the primary passing aid. It was previously known in the regulations as Manual Override Mode.

How it works: When a driver is within one second of the car ahead, they can deploy extra power to help initiate an overtake. Unlike DRS, which was tied to specific zones, Overtake Mode can be used strategically -- either all at once or spread across a lap.

Why it matters: Passing becomes less automatic and more tactical. Drivers must decide when to attack, not simply wait for a detection line.

https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/47 ... ions-rules

Stumbled over this too. I found an explanation of the overtake mode on the FIA website:

When drivers are within a second of the car in front at activation points, they will be able to deploy additional power energy to try to pass, with an extra +0.5MJ of extra energy available. The chances of an overtake occurring will also be increased by the leading car’s energy deployment tapering off after 290km/h, while the car behind can use the override for a full 350kW up to 337km/h. The speed differential should help make passing moves possible.

So boost and overtake give the same power (in kW) but overtake holds this for a longer.
https://www.fia.com/news/f1s-new-era-ev ... itive-more

[karana]

Does anybody understand the new "boost mode" and "overtake mode" terminology? What's the difference between those modes (apart from overtake activation limited to being within 1 sec).

I've read a few different articles and am struggling...

Boost Mode

What it is: A driver-operated energy deployment tool drawn from the Energy Recovery System (ERS).

How it works: At the push of a button, drivers can access maximum combined power from the engine and battery -- anywhere on track. It can be used offensively to attack or defensively to protect position.

Why it matters: Boost Mode puts control firmly in the driver's hands and adds a new layer of racecraft, particularly in wheel-to-wheel battles.

Overtake Mode

What it is: Overtake Mode replaces the Drag Reduction System (DRS), which had been used since 2011, as the primary passing aid. It was previously known in the regulations as Manual Override Mode.

How it works: When a driver is within one second of the car ahead, they can deploy extra power to help initiate an overtake. Unlike DRS, which was tied to specific zones, Overtake Mode can be used strategically -- either all at once or spread across a lap.

Why it matters: Passing becomes less automatic and more tactical. Drivers must decide when to attack, not simply wait for a detection line.

https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/47 ... ions-rules

My guess is the boost mode will be what in past was known as "overtake button" with basically the same functionality as in that it provides full power even when the ECU would reduce the output as part of the deployment strategy.

There might be possibly a rule change allowing to increase driver maximum power demand when using this mode, currently this is only allowed in overtake mode.

But it will still only be full power depending on car speed, so still lower than overtake mode above 290kph.

[BorisTheBlade]

This should put the whole "recovery is only allowed under braking" shenanigans to rest. It also makes clear, that "super clipping" will be preferable over "lift and coast".

Recharge
Cars will harvest energy to charge the battery when braking, on part throttle, when lifting off (when a driver lifts off the throttle early – often referred to as lift and coast) or when ‘super clipping’ (when some harvesting happens at the end of the straight when a car is still at full throttle – although this depends on the particular engine map being used, the circuit profile, and the overall Recharge energy allowance for that circuit, which varies as per the regulations).

Most of the time, the Recharge will be automated by use of selectable Recharge maps and targets so braking, part throttle and super clip will all be automated functions controlled by the ECU. The only Recharge mode the driver will have direct control of will be lift-off regen, whereby if the driver lifts off, then they can Recharge. However, doing this will disable the Active devices as well. In contrast, super clipping is still at full throttle and therefore the Active Aero will still be ‘open’.

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/arti ... cIpGzoWkY0