F125 ERS strategy for qualifying

Learn about F125 ERS strategy for qualifying


Updated October 6, 2025

If you’re new to F1 25, it’s normal to feel lost about when to press ERS Overtake, why your battery empties early, or why your lap fades at the end. F125 ERS strategy for qualifying is confusing because F1 25 mixes automatic energy harvesting with manual deployment choices that affect top speed and exit traction. This guide promises a clear, step‑by‑step plan so you know exactly when to use ERS in qualifying and how to avoid common mistakes.

Quick Answer

Use ERS Overtake only on full‑throttle runs: switch it on just before you exit the final corner to carry speed over the start line, then use short bursts on the biggest straights. Turn it off before each braking zone. Start push laps at 100% battery and finish near 5–10% without hitting 0%.

Why F125 ERS strategy for qualifying Feels So Hard at First

  • You have to balance two things at once: a limited battery and where the lap time actually comes from (straights, not corners).
  • Pressing Overtake in the wrong places overheats the rears or drains the battery too soon, costing time later in the lap.
  • The game harvests automatically when you’re off‑throttle/braking, but it won’t save you if you overspend early.

What F125 ERS strategy for qualifying Actually Means in F1 25

  • ERS = Energy Recovery System. It stores energy under braking and deploys it to the MGU‑K for extra power.
  • In qualifying, you manage deployment via the ERS Overtake button. Harvesting is automatic.
  • The battery shows as a % on the HUD. Overtake increases how quickly ERS deploys.
  • Goal on a push lap: start with ~100% battery, spend it mostly on the longest full‑throttle sections, and avoid crossing 0% before the final straight.

Before You Start (Prerequisites)

  • Hardware: Works the same on controller and wheel. Make sure the Overtake button is easy to reach.
  • Game mode: Grand Prix Qualifying, Career/My Team Qualifying, or Time Trial (for practice).
  • Assists and settings to check:
    • Open Settings > Assists:
      • ERS Assist: Off (recommended to learn manual control). If On, the game will handle Overtake and this guide won’t fully apply.
    • Open Settings > Controls > Edit Mappings:
      • Map ERS Overtake to a convenient button.
      • If available, choose Toggle (press once = on, press again = off) or Hold based on preference.
  • In‑session menus you’ll use:
    • The HUD ERS bar (bottom-right in default layouts) showing battery % and an “OT/Overtake” indicator when active.
    • Pause > Controls if you need to remap mid‑session.
    • Garage screen > Car Setup for fuel and out‑lap prep (optional).

Step-by-Step: How to Fix / Improve F125 ERS strategy for qualifying

Follow this exact order on every run.

  1. In the garage (before leaving)
  • Ensure ERS Assist = Off (if you want manual control).
  • Confirm ERS Overtake button works on your device.
  • Plan two laps: Out‑lap (no Overtake) → Push lap (target lap) → In‑lap. Success check: You can see ERS at 100% on the garage HUD before exiting.
  1. Out‑lap (prepare the car and the battery)
  • Keep ERS Overtake OFF the entire out‑lap.
  • Warm tyres with gentle weaving and short corner pushes, but don’t floor it down long straights.
  • Lift/coast a little before heavy braking zones to harvest more without burning tyres. Success check: Approaching the final corner before the push lap, ERS should still read ~98–100%.
  1. The run to the start/finish line (start of push lap)
  • As you approach the last corner: position the car, get a clean exit.
  • Activate ERS Overtake just before you begin accelerating out of the final corner so it’s on across the line.
  • Keep it on down the main straight. Turn it off about 100–150 m before the first braking zone. Success check: You should see the Overtake indicator lit over the line and battery still above ~85–90% by T1 on most tracks.
  1. Sector 1 deployment (big straight first, then save)
  • Use Overtake only on full‑throttle runs longer than ~2 seconds.
  • Never use Overtake mid‑corner or while modulating throttle.
  • Target battery after Sector 1: roughly 70–80% (track‑dependent). Success check: No wheelspin spikes from extra power; top speed looks stronger vs your non‑ERS laps.
  1. Sector 2 deployment (smart bursts)
  • Deploy on the longest straight(s). Skip short kinks or places you need to lift.
  • Always switch off before braking to maximize harvesting.
  • Target battery after Sector 2: roughly 35–50%. Success check: You’re not seeing the ERS % dive under ~30% before the final sector.
  1. Sector 3 and finish (don’t die at 0%)
  • Save enough battery for the last meaningful straight. You want one final Overtake burst to the flag.
  • Aim to cross the line with 5–10% battery. Finishing at exactly 0% can cost top speed if there’s a straight before the line. Success check: The car still pulls strongly on the last straight; ERS % reads a single digit after the line, not before it.
  1. In‑lap or return to garage
  • Turn Overtake OFF. Harvest naturally on the way in.
  • If you select Return to Garage, the game will prepare the car; expect full battery for the next run. Success check: You start the next out‑lap at 100% again.

Common Mistakes and Myths About F125 ERS strategy for qualifying

  • “Hold Overtake the whole lap.” Don’t. You’ll run out early and lose top speed at the end.
  • Using Overtake on corner exits where traction is limited. It causes wheelspin and slower exits on controller and wheel.
  • Turning Overtake on too late before the line. You miss free time on the main straight.
  • Forgetting to toggle Overtake off before braking. You waste energy and reduce harvesting.
  • Starting a push lap below ~95% battery. You’re giving away straight‑line speed for free.
  • Thinking Time Trial equals Qualifying. Time Trial refills battery at the line; real qualifying requires proper out‑lap and toggling.

Troubleshooting and “What If It Still Feels Wrong?”

  • Battery empties by mid‑Sector 2

    • Likely cause: Overusing Overtake early or leaving it on through short bursts.
    • Fix: Limit Overtake to the longest straight(s) only in Sector 1; aim for 70–80% after S1.

  • No noticeable speed gain when pressing Overtake

    • Likely cause: You’re pressing it while lifting, cornering, or already near the rev limiter in a short run.
    • Fix: Use it only on genuine full‑throttle zones and pair it with DRS when available.

  • Wheelspin when using Overtake on controller

    • Likely cause: Activating on traction‑limited exits (low gears, cambered corners).
    • Fix: Delay Overtake until you’re straight and in a higher gear (4th+ is a safe rule of thumb).

  • ERS not charging on out‑lap

    • Likely cause: You’re accidentally deploying (Overtake left on) or constantly full‑throttle.
    • Fix: Make sure Overtake is OFF; lift slightly before big stops to harvest more.

  • Can’t turn Overtake on/off reliably

    • Likely cause: Awkward button mapping or “Hold” not suited to your device.
    • Fix: Go to Settings > Controls > Edit Mappings and bind ERS Overtake to an easy thumb/finger. Try “Toggle” if “Hold” is awkward.

  • Changes didn’t apply

    • Note: If your changes don’t seem to apply, check Settings > Assists. If ERS Assist is On, the game manages deployment for you.

What not to do:

  • Don’t spam Overtake in every micro‑straight.
  • Don’t start a push lap below 95–100% ERS.
  • Don’t leave Overtake on into braking zones.

Pro Tips Once You’re Comfortable

  • Pair with DRS: Use Overtake where DRS is open for the biggest top‑speed payoff.
  • Micro‑bursts: 1–2 second taps on medium straights can be better than one long blast—provided you still finish with 5–10% left.
  • Slipstream savings: If you catch a tow, reduce or skip Overtake on that straight to save battery for later.
  • Learn your track’s “money” straights: Prioritize the longest full‑throttle runs that end in heavy braking (best harvest after).
  • Controller vs wheel: On controller, prefer Toggle to avoid holding a button while steering; on wheels with many paddles, Hold can give fine control.

What F125 ERS strategy for qualifying Means in F1 25 (Recap)

  • Use Overtake for straights, not corners.
  • Start the push lap at 100%, end it near 5–10%.
  • Switch off before braking to recharge for the next burst.

How to Know It’s Working (Definition of Done)

Run this simple test:

  • In the same qualifying session or Time Trial:
    • Lap A: Drive with Overtake always on.
    • Lap B: Use the plan above (start/finish straight + biggest straights only; off before braking). Success checklist:
  • Lap B is typically 0.2–0.6s faster on most tracks.
  • Battery shows ~70–80% after S1, ~35–50% after S2, and ~5–10% at the line.
  • You feel stronger pull on the last straight instead of bogging down.

Now that your F125 ERS strategy for qualifying is dialed in, the next big gains usually come from:

  • F125 tire warm‑up for qualifying (hit peak grip by Turn 1)
  • F125 braking technique (maximize late‑braking without lockups)
  • F125 DRS and straight‑line speed setup (wing levels and drag for quali)

With this structure, you’ll deploy energy where it matters, finish laps strong, and turn qualifying frustration into consistent PBs.

Your subscribe form goes here