Martin Brundle has warned fans following a key change in the announcement of the 2026 Formula 1 rules package.
The FIA offered a first look at the 2026 regulations over the Canadian Grand Prix weekend and how they aim to improve the show.
The most striking feature is the use of active aerodynamics on the front and rear wings. Drivers will be able to activate the wings and switch between an ‘X-Mode’ for low-drag on a straight and ‘Z-Mode’ for greater cornering speed.
The change means the Drag Reduction System (DRS) will no longer be used as an overtaking aid, with drivers instead getting a manual override option within the electrical element of the power unit (MGU-K) to activate when they reach 340kph.
Whenfans were asked whether they were ‘happy that DRS will be gone’ many fans expressed their delight. Some noted that they will be pleased to see the end of DRS ‘trains’, where a series of close-running cars are unable to overtake because each of them enjoys the benefit of the system.
Martin Brundle outlines how 2026 F1 rules will impact racing
Writing in his column for Sky Sports, Brundle has outlined how he thinks the 2026 ruleset will impact the racing after the FIA decided to axe DRS.
“The problem we have for 2026 is that the motor loses the MGU-H from the turbocharger which was very handy at generating electrical energy, and the new cars will not have any battery regeneration from the front wheels,” said Brundle.
“Especially on circuits which have lots of straights and few big braking zones, it will be hard to generate the required amounts of energy for the significantly bigger battery. How that impacts on pure racing remains to be seen, and for those celebrating the imminent demise of the DRS rear wings, be careful what you wish for.”
F1 drivers to face challenge with 2026 cars
Although drivers will be able to regulate their use of active aerodynamics to optimise their speed and through the corners, the key to producing racing will be in their use of the manual override system.
We still do not know how long the override function will last or how many times it will be available to a driver per-lap or per-race, but it will work in principal similar to the DRS system, with a requirement of drivers to be within a given distance before the end of a lap to the car in front.
This introduces a strategic element as the amount of energy for the battery a driver harvests will be impacted by their use of the active aero, meaning they will need to be calculated in their use of the two systems.
We will not know whether it serves as a credible replacement for DRS, although it is clear the FIA is keen to eliminate the ‘cruise past and overtake’ method it often produces.
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