F1 drivers raise serious concerns over key aspect of 2026 regulations
Photo: Race Pictures
Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
F1 drivers believe overtaking will be very difficult in 2026 despite regulations designed specifically to make it easier.
The first to address the topic during the Bahrain press conference was Pierre Gasly, who believes the approach drivers will take to overtaking could change compared to the past.
“We just need to be open-minded and see how it’s going to be. I think from testing at the moment, on my side, I haven’t really had enough experience following other cars to say much about it. We just have to go there knowing it’s going to feel different. Drivers might need to take a slightly different approach to racing, but I wouldn’t be able to say for sure.”
Gasly’s comments were followed by Charles Leclerc, who struck a more pessimistic tone, believing overtaking will be very difficult this year: “From the few situations I found myself in trying to overtake, it was very difficult. So I expect it to be quite a challenge this year.”
Photo: Race Pictures
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Norris led the way during the morning session of day two in Bahrain, narrowly finishing ahead of Verstappen and Russell at the top of the timesheets.
The McLaren driver continued his strong form from yesterday, posting a benchmark lap of 1:33.453 — a little over a tenth faster than Verstappen. Running remained relatively quiet throughout the session, with attention shifting when Hamilton ran into trouble with his Ferrari. The seven-time world champion managed only five laps before being forced back into the garage following a technical issue confirmed by the Italian outfit.
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