James Vowles: Overtaking will be different in 2026.

      In 2026, Formula 1’s technical regulations will change significantly, and this will not only affect engineers’ decisions but will also be obvious from the outside. Williams team principal James Vowles believes that overtaking under the new regulations will be different.

      James Vowles: “Our drivers tried the new car on the simulator. The first reaction was negative. The second time they became interested, and by the third and fourth they were actively involved, talking about what they thought could be improved on the car and how to gain an advantage.

      In 2026 overtaking will be different. I think the number of overtakes will increase, but they will happen in different places, and the approach to them will vary from track to track. In particular, a driver will be able to almost fully charge the battery in one braking zone, and discharge it on a single straight. That creates a dynamic that is very different from what we see now.

      As a result, drivers will have more freedom to fight and manoeuvre, will be able to show inventiveness and skill. They will probably have to make even more switches in the cockpit than they do now, and I don’t think that’s a bad thing, because as a result those who think unconventionally and fully control the car’s behavior will come out on top.”