OV9

Regulation changes are a constant, but - even to someone who has significantly lost interest in F1 over the years - they are clearly pretty significant for 2026.

The "Legally force another driver off the track" button that was introduced a couple of years back remains fully available, but for 2026 we additionally have:

- Boost button
- Proximity activated overtake mode
- Active aero button
- Recharge mode button
- NetFlix/Amazon Prime (toggle)
- Double esspresso button
- Banana skin / oil slick button

There is far more overtaking/re-overtaking/re-re-overtaking. Which is generally a very positive thing. But it's proving to be (generally) passing via button strategy as opposed to more traditional driving strategy. Generally.

No question that strategy is still required. But is it good/better/betterer?

Great that there's more overtaking, but it feels like it is scripted: use power to get past, next corner, same in reverse because the restrictions kick in.

It has led to some of the "nobody overtakes there" corners coming into play, but overall it feels a tad obvious.

2025 pole lap 1.24.892


2026 pole lap 1.28.111


Ignoring that it’s almost 4 seconds a lap slower, the new regs engine just sounds so asthmatic anywhere because the electric has ran out. Maggots and beckets just seems embarrassing.