Lando Norris warns 2026 F1 overtake rules could create 'more chaotic racing'

McLaren's Lando Norris has expressed concern that Formula 1's new 2026 regulations, specifically the 'Overtake Mode' boost button, could lead to unpredictable and chaotic on-track battles as drivers trade positions with significant power advantages and subsequent performance penalties.

Why it matters:

The 2026 rules represent F1's biggest technical overhaul in years, aiming to create closer, more sustainable racing. Norris's early feedback from the Barcelona shakedown highlights a potential unintended consequence: the new overtaking mechanics could create a yo-yo effect where passes are easier to make but harder to defend, fundamentally changing race strategy and spectacle. Getting this balance right is crucial for the sport's competitive future.

The details:

• Drivers tested 2026-spec cars in Barcelona last week, experiencing the new active aerodynamics and a near-50:50 hybrid power unit split for the first time.
• The key new feature is an 'Overtake Mode' or 'Boost Button', which replaces DRS. It triggers the power unit's maximum output, giving a driver a substantial straight-line speed advantage.
• Norris explained the tactical dilemma: using the boost grants a horsepower surge for an overtake but depletes the battery, leaving the driver vulnerable on subsequent laps as they recover energy.
• This could create passes in unexpected places, like between Turns 5 and 7 at Barcelona, but lead to immediate payback as the attacking driver then struggles with reduced power.
• The result, according to Norris, is potential "yo-yoing," with drivers repeatedly passing and re-passing each other not solely on pace, but on strategic energy deployment timing.

What's next:

The real-world impact will become clearer during extensive pre-season testing in Bahrain this February. Teams will experiment heavily with the new systems to understand the optimal strategies for attack and defense. The true test, however, will come at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix on March 6th, where the 2026 cars will race in anger for the first time, revealing whether the new rules deliver thrilling competition or unpredictable chaos.