Ex‑driver warns overtaking could suffer after 2026 boost power cut

A recent crash at Suzuka has reignited worries that the 2026 power‑unit changes could make passing harder. Former F1 driver Anthony Davidson says the new 150‑kilowatt boost limit, introduced to curb dangerous speed differentials, may also blunt overtaking opportunities that fans and teams rely on.

Why it matters

The ability to overtake is a cornerstone of F1’s on‑track excitement and a key factor in championship battles. If the boost reduction curtails a driver’s chance to close gaps, races could become processional, diminishing spectator appeal and potentially impacting sponsor value. At the same time, safety concerns remain paramount; the incident that sparked the debate highlighted how a sudden 50 km/h speed jump can catch following cars off‑guard.

The details

• Boost reduction: Power from the ‘boost’ button dropped from 350 kW (≈470 hp) to 150 kW (≈200 hp).
• Suzuka crash: Oliver Bearman hit the wall after using full boost behind Franco Colapinto, creating a 50 km/h speed differential into the Spoon curve.
• Driver comment: Davidson told Sky F1 that the crash was “not about Colapinto slowing down, but the car behind overspeeding.”
• Safety intent: FIA capped boost to avoid the “ridiculous speed difference” that caused the incident.
• Overtaking risk: Davidson worries the lower boost may limit a driver’s ability to generate a decisive speed advantage for a clean pass.

What's next

The FIA will monitor the first three races under the new limit, collecting data on overtaking rates and any further safety incidents. If overtaking drops noticeably, officials may revisit the boost allocation or introduce complementary aerodynamic tweaks. Teams, meanwhile, will need to adapt race strategies, focusing on corner exit speed and tyre management rather than relying on a short‑burst power surge.