As Formula 1 prepares for its next evolution, overtaking could change forever, demanding adaptability from both drivers and race officials.
Are the overtaking rules in Formula 1 clear enough today?
Jonathan Wheatley, former Sporting Director at Red Bull and now Team Principal for Sauber Audi F1, believes things are still not as straightforward as they should be, despite efforts to clarify them after the incidents involving Max Verstappen and Lando Norris late last season.
Drawing on his experience, the British team boss stressed the importance of keeping the regulations flexible and adaptable. He pointed out that the rules must evolve just like they did over the winter break and will likely need to again as the sport changes.
With a brand new set of technical regulations coming in 2026, Wheatley explained that overtaking, along with on-track incidents, could look very different next season.
“I have had conversations with drivers I worked with and told them that sometimes giving just two more centimeters of space would make the stewards’ job much easier. They have to judge if you left enough room for a car to pass cleanly,” he said.
“I love this side of racing and I believe the FIA and the drivers have worked really hard to build a solid framework of rules that we see today. As long as we stay open minded and allow the rules to grow with the evolution of the cars, we will be on the right path.”
“As for the 2026 cars, honestly no one knows exactly what to expect. And if the cars change so much, overtaking will change too.”
“What we do know is that racing today looks nothing like it did when engines were simpler. The new 2026 power units will have different energy modes and recovery systems. That means keeping flexibility in the rules will not just be important, it will be essential.”
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