Manual Override Mode (MOM)

Manual Override Mode (MOM) is an electric power boost system being introduced in Formula 1 in 2026 that gives chasing drivers extra speed to help them overtake the car in front.

Think of Manual Override Mode as a temporary turbo button that only works when you're trying to pass someone. When a driver gets close enough to the car ahead—within one second—they can activate MOM to receive a surge of electrical power from their car's battery system. This extra power helps them catch up and attempt an overtaking maneuver.

The system is designed to replace DRS (Drag Reduction System), which has been Formula 1's primary overtaking aid since 2011. While DRS worked by opening a flap on the rear wing to reduce air resistance, MOM takes a different approach by providing additional electrical energy from the car's Motor Generator Unit-Kinetic, or MGU-K, which is essentially a powerful electric motor.

What makes Manual Override Mode particularly interesting is that the driver being overtaken cannot use the same power boost while defending their position. This creates a clear advantage for the attacking driver, making overtakes more achievable and races more exciting for spectators.

The 2026 Formula 1 cars will feature redesigned power units with significantly more battery capacity—nearly three times more electrical power than current cars. When a driver activates MOM, they gain access to an extra 350 kilowatts of power, which continues to provide benefit at speeds up to 337 kilometers per hour (about 209 miles per hour).

Unlike DRS, which can only be used in specific designated zones on the race track, Manual Override Mode can be activated anywhere on the circuit. This flexibility means drivers have more opportunities to attempt overtakes throughout a lap, not just on long straightaways.

To use MOM, the chasing driver must be within the required distance at a detection point on the track. Once detected as eligible, they can activate the system at a designated activation line. The boost remains active until the driver crosses that activation line again while no longer being close enough to another car, or until they complete the overtake.

The introduction of Manual Override Mode is expected to add new strategic dimensions to Formula 1 racing. Teams will need to manage their electrical energy carefully throughout the race, deciding when to use MOM for attacking and how to defend against it. This energy management will become a crucial part of race strategy, potentially creating advantages for teams that develop better systems and strategies.