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Esteban Ocon believes that overtaking currently looks "quite difficult on paper" as the new Overtake Mode only "seems to gain a tenth".
The new wave of regulations that has been introduced to Formula 1 in 2026 includes Overtake Mode, replacing DRS, along with active aerodynamics. Overtake Mode deploys an extra 0.5MJ of electrical power, allowing the car to reach higher speeds to aid - you guessed it - overtaking.
There is one detection point per lap at which this can be used, and a driver must be within a second of the car in front, as with the outgoing DRS.
Ocon believes DRS was more powerful, effectively offering cars more speed through reduced drag compared to the speed Overtake Mode is offering through an increase in power.
"It's probably the most difficult track in terms of energy management as well, this one, so it's very different to how it was in Bahrain, a bit more similar to how it was in Barcelona, but Barcelona was too early days for everyone," Ocon told Motorsport.com and other media ahead of the Australian Grand Prix.
The Frenchman explained that in comparison to the "six or seven tenths" gained from DRS in recent years, the new Overtake Mode would only offer drivers a gain of approximately one tenth.
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
"Lift and coasting and all the rest of it," he added. "That's something that is now normality and something that we know, but how it's going to play out in the race, that's where it's going to be probably the biggest thing for all of us because we can drive by ourselves, that's very clear.
"We can optimise that way as well, but in the race we don't know how that's going to work with the overtake usage as well. The overtake usage looks like it's only a tenth gain, while DRS last year was like six or seven tenths through the lap, so to overtake it looks quite difficult on paper, but again, is it going to be like that in reality? Maybe not. So, yeah, a lot of things to learn."
The Australian Grand Prix will kick off the 2026 F1 season on 8 March at Albert Park in Melbourne.
Photos from Australian GP - Thursday
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
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Oscar Piastri, McLaren
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Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
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Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing
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Nico Hulkenberg, Audi F1 Team
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Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team
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Terry Crews
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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
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Nico Hulkenberg, Audi F1 Team, Gabriel Bortoleto, Audi F1 Team
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Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
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Oscar Piastri, McLaren
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Nico Hulkenberg, Audi F1 Team
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes
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Alexander Albon, Williams
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Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing
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Arvid Lindblad, Racing Bulls
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Carlos Sainz, Williams
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Lando Norris, McLaren
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Zak Brown, McLaren
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Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Alastair Staley / LAT Images via Getty Images
Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
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Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
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Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari
Sam Bloxham / LAT Images via Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Alexander Albon, Williams
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Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team
Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
Franco Colapinto, Alpine
Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images
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