Christian Horner has thrown his support behind a proposed change to Formula 1’s 2026 engine regulations, calling the FIA’s push-to-pass concept “worth consideration” as the sport looks to avoid unintended performance consequences from its next-generation hybrid power units.
The 2026 regulations, which have been under increasing scrutiny in recent months, will see power units generate nearly 50% of their total output from electrical energy.
While intended to future-proof F1’s sustainability and road relevance, simulations by multiple teams have revealed a potential problem: drivers may be forced to heavily lift and coast during both qualifying and races in order to manage energy recovery, particularly at slower circuits.
Horner confirmed the concern following last week’s F1 Commission meeting, noting that the issue is shared across manufacturers — despite public disagreement from some, such as Mercedes’ Toto Wolff, who previously dismissed any reduction in deployment as “a joke.”
“They’re seeing that next year there could be a huge amount of lift-and-coasting during the course of a grand prix, and that’s going to drive the drivers mad,” Horner told Sky Sports F1 when asked about push-to-pass.
FIA proposal could smooth out performance with simple tweak
To counteract the risk of energy shortfall during races, the FIA has put forward a proposal: maintain the technical specifications of the 2026 engines but reduce the usable battery deployment across the full race distance.
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This would allow a driver-controlled power boost — effectively a push-to-pass system — rather than relying on constant deployment.
“They tabled a proposal where we’d leave all the technical specifications the same, but we would just reduce the battery energy in the race so that you effectively have a push-to-pass,” Horner explained.
“I think it has merit, and I think in the bigger picture of Formula One, it’s definitely worth consideration.”
This would operate alongside the already-approved “manual override mode” — a feature designed to replace DRS — giving drivers enhanced acceleration when within a certain distance of a rival ahead. But Horner believes that without broader changes, the new rules could create unintended strategic quirks.
“We’re going to have lift-and-coasting in qualifying at some races next year,” Horner warned. “To have it to such a degree in the race, particularly at certain circuits, it will be particularly bad.”
What happens next?
Any amendment to the 2026 power unit rules will require a super majority — 28 out of 30 votes across F1, the FIA, and all teams. While discussions remain ongoing, Horner insists the health of the sport must come first.
“Sometimes you’ve got to look at the interest of the sport,” Horner added. “And without, effectively, DRS being available next year… would it be a bad thing to have a push-to-pass?”
What is the F1 push-to-pass system proposed for 2026?
It’s a system to allow short bursts of power by limiting total battery deployment, creating strategic overtaking without altering engine specs.
Why is Christian Horner worried about the 2026 rules?
Horner believes drivers will lift-and-coast excessively due to energy recovery limits, hurting both race quality and qualifying intensity.
Will the 2026 F1 cars still have DRS?
No. DRS will be replaced by a “manual override mode” giving drivers extra power under specific conditions.
