The upcoming Australian GP not only heralds a new season, but also a new technical era in Formula 1. This became immediately visible this week on the layout of the Albert Park Circuit; the traditional DRS zones have disappeared and been replaced by so-called Straight Mode Zones, alongside a separate detection and activation point for the new Overtake Mode. The layout thus offers a first glimpse into the new way of racing in 2026.
Read more Max Verstappen realistic: ‘Not fighting for the win in Melbourne’
The first attacking opportunity lies on the start-finish straight, where the detection point for the Overtake Mode is placed between turns 13 and 14. Drivers racing within one second of their predecessor can activate their overtake mode there. While electrical power normally decreases above 290 km/u, with Overtake Mode they can maintain the full power of 350 kilowatt up to 340 km/u. Notably, the mode can be activated even before turn 14, allowing attacks to be prepared earlier than in the DRS era.
The start-finish section is also one of the five Straight Mode Zones. Here, drivers activate their active aerodynamics: movable elements in the front and rear wings that reduce air resistance. These zones are also available between turns 2 and 3, between 5 and 6, along Lakeside Drive (between 8 and 9), and on the way to turn 11. Outside the straights, the wings close again, allowing the cars to generate more downforce and navigate corners at higher speeds.
Read more Häkkinen praises Piastri after first title battle: ‘Oscar drove truly beautifully’
Many question marks
Many question marks still surround the new overtake mode. Based on winter testing, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc expressed his concerns. During his test laps, he consumed the available power so quickly that he could barely defend a gained position. “I find it extremely difficult to overtake at the moment,” he told the press in Bahrain. “It will get better over time, depending on how we handle these types of situations,” he added. “But an overtake always has a price, and right now that price is much higher than before. Overtaking and then pulling away, as was still possible with DRS last year, is suddenly a lot harder.”
Read more Ocon understands Komatsu’s dissatisfaction: ‘I don’t necessarily want to talk about 2025 anymore’
View the 2026 F1 calendar here
