2026 rules · Updated for 2026
Why Formula 1 removed DRS in 2026
DRS ended because the new cars need active wings for energy efficiency, with Overtake Mode handling close-racing assistance.
Quick answer
The 2026 car uses movable front and rear wings as a normal efficiency system, so the old conditional rear-wing-only DRS no longer fits. Straight Mode manages drag; Overtake Mode helps an eligible chaser.
The old system
DRS opened part of the rear wing in specified zones, usually only when a race car was within one second of another at the detection point.
The 2026 split
Two jobs that DRS appeared to combine are now explicit: active aero reduces drag efficiently for every car, while Overtake Mode provides the conditional passing aid.
What has not changed
A one-second timing threshold still matters for the new overtaking allowance. What changes is the mechanism: electrical deployment replaces the privileged rear-wing opening.