The Monaco Grand Prix will be the first race in 2026 not to feature F1’s new ‘straight mode’ overtaking aid. Partly to compensate for the new engines, which have a 50:50 power split between the internal combustion engine and the batteries, F1 created cars with active aerodynamics where the front and rear wings open to reduce drag.
F1 NEW OVERTAKE MODE
The new DRS did not directly replace the “overtake mode” boost which allowed cars to open their back wings to reduce drag when behind another car in a race. The official F1.com track map for the upcoming race in Monte Carlo reveals a circuit with no straight mode activation zones.
Monaco has previously limited DRS to the pit-straight, but this straight mode will not be used in 2026. Due to safety concerns, DRS was never put through the tunnel. Overtake mode is still on for the race in the Principality, detected before the Rascasse corner and activated leaving Anthony Noghes and just before the last corner.
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