how to set up a pass in F125

Learn about how to set up a pass in F125

Updated October 17, 2025

If you’re new to F1 25, “just send it” often turns into nose damage and penalties. Feeling stuck about how to set up a pass in F125 is normal: dirty air hurts cornering, DRS is timing‑sensitive, and ERS battery disappears fast. This guide shows exactly how to plan, prepare, and complete clean, reliable overtakes.

Quick Answer

The clean pass in F1 25 starts 2–3 corners early: recharge ERS, get within 1.0s at the DRS detection line, maximize exit traction from the final corner, then deploy ERS Overtake and DRS down the straight. Move once, brake slightly later on the racing line, leave space, and reset for the next zone if it doesn’t stick.

Why how to set up a pass in F125 Feels So Hard at First

You lose front grip in dirty air, so mid‑corner lunges rarely work.
DRS only activates if you’re within 1.0s at the detection line, and ERS drains quickly if mistimed.
AI pace and traction assists can make exits feel unbeatable unless you plan ahead.

By the end of this guide, you’ll know how to build the pass from setup corners, time DRS/ERS, pick a side, brake safely, and finish the move without contact or penalties.

What how to set up a pass in F125 Actually Means in F1 25

“Setting up a pass” means engineering an overtake before the straight:

Positioning the car to get a better exit than the car ahead.
Hitting the DRS detection within 1.0s.
Deploying ERS Overtake at the right moment.
Choosing a low‑risk braking point and line to complete the move.

It’s a plan, not a divebomb.

Before You Start (Prerequisites)

Hardware: Controller or wheel with easy access to two buttons:
- ERS Overtake
- DRS
Game mode: Practice in Grand Prix (Solo) or Career with AI; Time Trial won’t teach racecraft with traffic.
Menus you’ll use:
- Settings > Controls > Customize Controls: map ERS Overtake and DRS to comfortable buttons.
- Optional: Settings > Assists: check DRS Assist and ERS Assist (turn ERS Assist off if you want manual control).
- On‑track MFD: adjust Brake Bias and On‑Throttle Differential during races.

Tip: Practice overtakes at tracks with long DRS zones like Monza, Bahrain, or Austria.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix / Improve how to set up a pass in F125

Map the critical buttons

Open Settings > Controls > Customize Controls.
Map ERS Overtake to a thumb button you can hit mid‑corner exit.
Map DRS to an easily reachable button.
Success looks like: you can toggle ERS and hit DRS without moving your hands awkwardly.

Set up a safe practice scenario

Start a Grand Prix (Solo), equal performance OFF (use real performance), AI at a comfortable level (see Troubleshooting).
Pick a track with strong DRS.
Do 3–5 laps to fill the ERS battery and learn the detection and activation lines (watch the HUD “DRS” icon).

Plan the pass two corners early

Target a DRS straight. Your goal is to be ≤1.0s at the detection line.
In the corner before the detection line, avoid dirty‑air understeer by using a slightly wider entry and earlier, straighter throttle.

Hit the detection within 1.0s

If you’re at 1.2–1.4s a few hundred meters before detection, tap ERS Overtake for 1–2 seconds to squeeze under 1.0s, then turn it off.
Success looks like: HUD shows DRS AVAILABLE at the next activation point.

Maximize the exit from the final corner

Short‑shift if needed (especially on controller) to avoid wheelspin.
Consider a quick on‑throttle diff reduction via MFD (e.g., from 60–65% down to 50–55%) one corner before the straight to aid traction. Restore it after the pass.
Keep the car straight before full throttle.

Launch the attack

As you unwind the steering (3rd/4th gear), press ERS Overtake.
At the DRS activation line, hit the DRS button. The rear wing icon opens; revs jump slightly.
Stay in the slipstream until you’re close, then move once to the inside or outside.

Commit under braking

Choose a braking point ~1–2 car lengths later than usual if you’re alongside; otherwise brake normally.
Brake in a straight line, trail a touch to the apex, and leave at least one car width.
Don’t downshift too aggressively; keep the car stable.

Seal the pass on exit

Get early throttle; if you’ll have a second DRS zone soon, avoid passing before the second detection if it would give the rival DRS back. Time the move so you keep DRS on the next straight when possible.
Turn ERS Overtake off once the move is done to save battery.

If it doesn’t stick, reset

Don’t force it in the next corner. Tuck in, recharge (ERS off), and repeat the setup.

Common Mistakes and Myths About how to set up a pass in F125

Burning ERS too early: Deploying long before detection leaves you empty when it counts. Use a tiny pre‑detection burst, then full deploy on exit.
Diving from 3 car lengths back: Dirty air ruins front grip. Build overlaps on straights, not mid‑corner.
Sitting in dirty air through the final corner: Take a slightly wider line to protect front tires and get earlier throttle.
Maxing wings to “overtake better”: More downforce helps corners but kills top speed. Balance for your track and style.
ERS Overtake spam: Overtake doesn’t help under braking or heavy wheelspin. Save it for straight‑line acceleration.
Weaving or late moves in braking: One move is legal; more is risky and slow.

Troubleshooting and “What If It Still Feels Wrong?”

I can’t get DRS even when close
- Likely cause: You’re >1.0s at the detection line, not the activation point.
- Fix: Use a brief ERS burst before detection to get to 0.9–1.0s, then save ERS for exit.
Battery always empty when I need it
- Cause: Over‑deploying outside attacks.
- Fix: Keep 20–40% in reserve. Turn ERS off when not overtaking/defending. Lift‑and‑coast slightly into big braking zones to help regen.
I get wheelspin and lose the run
- Cause: Aggressive throttle or high on‑throttle diff.
- Fix: Short‑shift 1 gear on exit; temporarily lower On‑Throttle Diff via MFD; use Traction Control assist while learning.
AI blasts away out of slow corners
- Cause: Difficulty too high for your current consistency.
- Fix: Lower Settings > Game Options > Difficulty > AI Driver Level by 5–10 points and retest.
My DRS/ERS buttons don’t respond
- Cause: Unmapped or conflicting bindings.
- Fix: Re‑map in Settings > Controls > Customize Controls. If you use ERS Assist or DRS Assist, manual inputs may be limited.
DRS says unavailable
- Cause: Not within 1.0s at detection, under yellow flags, first 2 racing laps, or wet conditions.
- Fix: Wait until race control enables DRS; try again next lap.
I pass before a second DRS detection and get re‑passed immediately
- Cause: Poor timing relative to back‑to‑back DRS zones.
- Fix: Delay the overtake until after the second detection so you keep DRS.

Note: Don’t max ERS deployment down the entire straight if you’re already clearly ahead; you’ll waste battery needed later.

Pro Tips Once You’re Comfortable

The switchback: Show outside into a slow corner, focus on a cut‑back for superior exit and DRS.
Double‑zone planning: At tracks like Bahrain or Jeddah, aim to finish the pass after the second detection to avoid giving DRS back.
Team tow in multiplayer: Coordinate slipstream with a teammate to slingshot on long straights.
Brake bias tweak: Nudge Brake Bias 1–2% forward for stability on a late‑brake move, then return to normal.
Ghost yellow laps: Under VSC/SC, recharge ERS by gentle braking and short‑shifting so you have 80–100% for the restart.

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

Run this quick checklist in a 5–10 lap race:

You consistently enter detection at ≤1.0s and see “DRS AVAILABLE”.
You complete at least 1–2 clean overtakes per race without penalties or contact.
Your ERS stays between ~20–80% most of the time; you always have a push ready.
Your attempts feel planned: better exits, one decisive move, controlled braking.

Now that your how to set up a pass in F125 is dialed in, the next big gain usually comes from:

F125 braking technique and trail‑braking basics
F125 ERS and DRS management (advanced)
F125 defensive driving and racecraft

Extra Reference: In‑Game Labels You’ll See

Controls mapping: Settings > Controls > Customize Controls (look for “ERS Overtake” and “DRS” actions).
On‑track HUD: Battery bar (right side), “DRS” icon when available, proximity arrows when cars are alongside.
MFD adjustments: Brake Bias, Differential (On‑Throttle/Off‑Throttle), Tire/Strategy pages.

What how to set up a pass in F125 Means in F1 25 (Recap)

Build the pass before the straight.
Be ≤1.0s at detection, not just activation.
Launch with clean traction, then combine ERS Overtake + DRS.
Move once, brake smart, leave space, and manage the battery for the next lap.

You’ve got this. One planned, patient pass is worth more than five risky lunges—your lap times and race results will show it.