OVERTAKE MODE HELPED ‘LOCK CARS TOGETHER’ IN BATTLE AT CANADIAN GP

Formula 1's new Overtake Mode played a pivotal role in the close-quarters racing at the Canadian Grand Prix, according to Mercedes’ Andrew Shovlin. This system, replacing DRS, allows a driver within one second of a car ahead to harvest and deploy more energy, effectively boosting power. In Montreal, this meant cars often stayed "locked together" in battle, even after an overtake, making it incredibly difficult for the leading car to pull away. Cold conditions and low-speed corners further aided close following.

Shovlin pointed to instances like Lewis Hamilton catching Max Verstappen but struggling to break the one-second gap, allowing Verstappen to continue using the mode. Similarly, Mercedes drivers themselves experienced the effect. While Overtake Mode provides only a small lap time advantage (around a tenth), its ability to offer higher top speed and more energy deployment was crucial for sustained pursuit and decisive moves on Montreal’s long straights. Expect this dynamic to define strategic battles as teams master the new regulations.