The FIA’s 2026 F1 regulations introduce a novel energy deployment system, notably featuring a push-to-pass mechanism similar to IndyCar’s.
The FIA has updated the 2026 F1 Technical Regulations, introducing an intriguing provision regarding a different energy deployment compared to the current rules. In the section dedicated to electric power, there are multiple clauses and subsections on this topic.
The much-discussed push-to-pass system, akin to IndyCar’s and under consideration by Formula 1 for several years, is seemingly taking shape. Energy deployment is thus calculated up to 345 km/h, with the rules shifting from 345 to 355 km/h.
In this interval, drivers can access additional power exceeding the engine’s initial output, thanks to energy recovered during deployment up to 345 km/h. This is determined by Article 5.4.8.
As outlined in Article 5.4.7, at no point should the electric part of the engine’s power exceed 350 kW. It is understood this will be half the power output of an F1 engine, equating to approximately 450 to 500 horsepower.
Further into the regulations, another clause presents an exception to 5.4.7, detailing a sole scenario in which Article 5.4.7 is not applicable, referred to as Article 5.14.7.
It states: “The maximum power requested by the driver cannot be increased during full load periods unless the overtaking mode, as specified in the Regulations Appendix, is selected by the driver.”
This confirms the introduction of an overtaking mode similar to IndyCar’s push-to-pass. It also reminds of the KERS system used in the early 2010s in F1, which drivers could deploy for defense or attack on the track.
F1’s 2026 Rules: New Push-to-Pass Energy Plan. F1’s 2026 Rules: New Push-to-Pass Energy Plan
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