Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris struggled to turn their speed advantages into overtakes at the Mexican Grand Prix, with both drivers pointing to a 2026 rule that limits energy deployment at high speeds. Hamilton called the restriction “stupid,” while Norris said it “ruins racing.”
Mexico’s long main straight gave drivers a chance to use a slipstream and overtake mode, which provides an additional 0.5 megajoules of energy. But Hamilton could not get close enough to pass Max Verstappen, and Norris faced the same problem behind Charles Leclerc. The regulation’s speed-based power limits meant that a pursuing car’s deployment began to fall as it accelerated.
Under the 2026 rules, cars without overtake mode must reduce battery power above 290 km/h, with deployment reaching zero at 345 km/h. With overtake mode active, the reduction begins above 337.5 km/h and reaches zero at 355 km/h. At most circuits, drivers either do not reach these speeds often or have already used much of their available energy. In Mexico, the circuit layout left cars with plenty of energy as they entered the main straight, bringing the limits into play early.
That meant a car gaining speed on the one ahead could have its power automatically reduced. Hamilton’s telemetry showed him closing on Verstappen early in the straight, but the speed difference narrowed further along it, even as both remained at full throttle.
Hamilton said the restriction prevented a pursuing car from using its extra power to pass. Norris also criticised the limiter, arguing that it left drivers with little opportunity to make up ground on the straight.
The speed-limit provisions have been removed from the 2027 regulations. Under the revised rules, drivers without overtake mode can deploy up to 300 kW in races, while those using overtake mode can deploy 350 kW. Some speed-based limits will remain in specific track sectors, but the broad straight-line restriction that affected the Mexican GP is no longer part of the rules.
Sources: The Race.