how not to run out of ERS in F125

Learn about how not to run out of ERS in F125

Running out of battery on the main straight, watching cars breeze past, is maddening. If you’re struggling with how not to run out of ERS in F125, you’re not alone. In F1 25 the hybrid battery deploys fast when you use Overtake, and it only recharges efficiently under braking. This guide will show you exactly when and how to use ERS so you always have power when it counts.

Quick Answer

Use manual ERS sparingly: map the Overtake button, watch the battery percentage on your HUD, and deploy only in short bursts on the longest straights or when passing/defending. Target 40–70% battery during races, avoid dipping under ~15%, and do “recharge laps” (no Overtake) after big attacks. In qualifying, push once per lap and recharge on the cooldown.

Why how not to run out of ERS in F125 Feels So Hard at First

• ERS in F1 25 gives a big speed boost but drains quickly; if you hold Overtake for long, you’ll empty the battery in a lap.
• The game only harvests energy under braking. Tracks with long straights and few heavy stops (e.g., Monza) make energy management tougher.
• Promise: By the end, you’ll know exactly when to press Overtake, how to read the HUD, and how to finish stints with enough battery to attack or defend.

What how not to run out of ERS in F125 Actually Means in F1 25

• ERS (Energy Recovery System): Your hybrid battery that deploys extra power.
• Overtake (OT): The manual ERS button that adds power on demand. It’s powerful but drains the battery quickly.
• Harvesting: Automatic energy recovery when you brake. Lifting off the throttle doesn’t harvest by itself—braking does.
• HUD battery/ERS bar: Shows your current battery percentage and whether Overtake is active.

Goal: Keep enough battery for decisive moments—passes, defenses, and key exits—without running it flat.

Before You Start (Prerequisites)

• Hardware: Controller or wheel with at least one easy-to-reach button for Overtake.
• Game: F1 25, latest patch.
• Modes: Applies to Grand Prix, Career, and Multiplayer. Time Trial refills ERS each lap (management matters less there).
• Menus you’ll use:
  • Settings > Assists > ERS Assist
  • Settings > Controls > Edit Controls (map Overtake)
  • Settings > On-Screen Display (OSD) > OSD Customisation (enable Battery/ERS widget)
  • In-session MFD/HUD to watch battery percentage

Step-by-Step: How to Fix / Improve how not to run out of ERS in F125

1. Turn on the battery display

• Open Settings > On-Screen Display > OSD Customisation.
• Enable the Battery/ERS widget and make sure it’s easy to see (near revs/gear).
• Success check: You see a battery percentage and an “OT” indicator that lights when Overtake is on.

2. Map Overtake to an easy button

• Go to Settings > Controls > Edit Controls.
• Map ERS Overtake to a thumb button (wheel) or face/bumper button (controller).
• Optional: If your device allows, set it as a toggle so one press turns it on/off.
• Success check: Press the button in the garage; the HUD should show OT toggling when allowed.

3. Choose your assist while learning

• Go to Settings > Assists > ERS Assist.
  • On = game manages Overtake for you (good for day 1).
  • Off = you control Overtake (best performance once you’re ready).
• If you keep running out, use ERS Assist for a few races to feel the pacing, then switch to manual.

4. Learn your battery targets (race)

• Aim to sit between 40–70% most of the time.
• Avoid dropping below ~15% unless you must pass/defend right now.
• Plan a recharge lap after any heavy attack: keep Overtake off and brake firmly to harvest.

5. Learn your battery targets (qualifying)

• Out-lap: No Overtake; start your push lap at ~100%.
• Push lap: Use Overtake on the start/finish straight and one more long straight only.
• Cool-down lap: Overtake off, harvest under braking. Aim to end cooldown at 60–90% before the next push.

6. Deploy in the right places

• Use Overtake only:
  • On the longest straights, typically once you’re in 4th gear or higher.
  • To pass (with DRS if available) or defend short bursts off key corners.
• Turn Overtake off before the braking zone to save a few percent each lap.

7. Use DRS to save ERS

• If you have DRS, try lifting your thumb off Overtake. Let DRS do the work.
• Save the battery for when DRS isn’t enough or for exits without DRS.

8. Build an ERS rhythm per track

• Tracks with few big braking zones (Monza, Baku main straight, Spa) are hard to recharge:
  • Be stricter—one major deployment per lap, sometimes every other lap.
• Braking-heavy tracks (Singapore, Monaco) harvest well but have short straights:
  • Use short, sharp bursts, not long holds.

9. Race-craft rules that protect your battery

• In a DRS train, save ERS; only deploy when you’re actually going for a move.
• When defending, 1–2 second bursts on corner exits are often enough.
• Under VSC/SC, Overtake is reduced or unavailable—use the period to recharge.

10. Setup and driving that reduce ERS waste

• Avoid wheelspin; deploy Overtake once traction is stable (usually 3rd–4th gear).
• If you’re constantly short on ERS, consider:
  • Slightly lower rear wing for less drag (if stable).
  • Smoother exits so you don’t waste energy in wheelspin.
• Success check: You finish laps with 30–60% battery, and your passes/defenses feel timely, not desperate.

Common Mistakes and Myths About how not to run out of ERS in F125

• Holding Overtake for entire laps: drains the battery in a lap or two and leaves you defenseless.
• Using ERS below ~15%: reduced deployment and “low battery” warnings; you’ll feel slow. Recharge first.
• Spamming Overtake mid-corner or out of slow turns: causes wheelspin and wastes energy.
• Burning ERS when you already have DRS and clear overspeed: save it for when you need it.
• Myth: Lifting and coasting recharges ERS. Reality: Braking harvests energy; lifting alone doesn’t refill the battery.
• Myth: Short-shifting charges faster. Reality: It only changes how much power you use; harvest still comes from braking.

Troubleshooting and “What If It Still Feels Wrong?”

• “My battery always empties on lap 1.”

  • Likely cause: Overtake held too long at the start.
  • Fix: Use short bursts once you’re in 3rd–4th gear; do a recharge lap on lap 2.

• “Overtake doesn’t work sometimes.”

  • Likely causes: Battery too low, VSC/SC restrictions, or assist conflicts.
  • Fixes: Keep battery >15%; check Assists > ERS Assist (Off for manual control); confirm your Overtake bind.

• “I never recharge enough at high-speed tracks.”

  • Likely cause: Not enough heavy braking.
  • Fix: Be stricter—1 big deployment per lap max. Brake firmly and straight to harvest. Use DRS instead of ERS whenever possible.

• “I can’t pass even with Overtake on.”

  • Likely causes: Deploying too early, running out before you reach Vmax, or high drag setup.
  • Fix: Start Overtake later on the straight (after traction), and consider a slightly lower rear wing if the car remains stable.

• “My changes didn’t apply.”

  • Note: If your changes don’t seem to apply, make sure you saved the settings and re-entered the session from the Garage.

• What not to do

  • Don’t hold Overtake through corners.
  • Don’t panic-deploy under 15% unless absolutely necessary.
  • Don’t rely on ERS to fix poor exits—work on traction first.

Pro Tips Once You’re Comfortable

• The “2 pushes per lap” rule: On most tracks, pick two spots to deploy and nowhere else.
• Attack windows: Save to ~80%, then do a 1–2 lap burst to gain track position, followed by a full recharge lap.
• Timing matters: Toggle Overtake just after apex when the car is straight; toggle off a second before braking to save a few percent.
• Grid starts: A tiny burst after upshifting to 3rd can help; avoid dumping half the battery in the first 10 seconds.

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

Run a 5-lap Grand Prix at a track with a long straight (e.g., Monza or Spa):

• Lap 1: Keep OT bursts short; finish with >30% battery.
• Laps 2–3: Use OT on the main straight only; end each lap with 40–60%.
• One lap: No Overtake at all (recharge lap) and watch battery rise.
• You should feel:
  • Consistent battery percentage lap to lap.
  • Clean passes using DRS + short OT bursts.
  • The ability to defend without hitting 0%.

Qualifying test:

• Out-lap 100% > Push lap with 1–2 deployments > Cooldown to 60–90% > Second push.
• You should never start a push lap under ~60% unless it’s your final run.

Next Steps and Related Guides

• F125 DRS and Racecraft: How to pass efficiently without wasting battery.
• F125 Traction and Throttle Control: Stop wheelspin so your ERS translates to speed.
• F125 Controller/Wheel Button Mapping: Make Overtake and MFD controls effortless.

With these habits, you’ll stop running out of ERS, control the flow of each stint, and have power exactly when you need it.