how to time an overtake in F125

Learn about how to time an overtake in F125

Updated October 1, 2025

If you’re new and struggling with how to time an overtake in F125, you’re not alone. It’s frustrating to pull alongside and still get re-passed, or to send it too late and lock up. In F1 25 the pace boost from DRS/ERS, dirty air, and AI braking points make timing everything. This guide will show you exactly when to set up, launch, and finish a clean, repeatable overtake.

Quick Answer

The core of how to time an overtake in F125: arrive within 0.9s at the DRS detection line, focus on a strong exit, then use short ERS Overtake bursts from late apex to halfway down the straight. Open DRS, get at least half a car ahead before the 100m board, brake slightly earlier than normal, leave space, and switch ERS off once clear.

Why how to time an overtake in F125 Feels So Hard at First

You’re balancing three moving parts: dirty air reducing corner grip, DRS zones with strict detection points, and ERS Overtake that drains fast.
AI (and online rivals) have consistent brake points and will defend late, so a “kind of close” run isn’t enough—you need a planned timing window.

By the end of this guide you’ll know exactly how to position before the detection line, when to press Overtake/DRS, and how to commit to the pass without burning your battery or missing the corner.

What how to time an overtake in F125 Actually Means in F1 25

Timing an overtake = choosing the lap segment where:

You arrive at the DRS detection line within 1.0s.
You maximize exit traction onto a long straight.
You apply ERS Overtake in short bursts to build a speed delta.
You commit to the move early enough to be ahead by the main brake marker (usually the 100m board).

It’s less about sending it and more about controlling the run: close → launch → overlap → brake safely.

Before You Start (Prerequisites)

Hardware:
- Controller or wheel/pedals. Either works; wheels help with traction/braking feel.
Game version and mode:
- F1 25 latest patch. Practice in Solo > Grand Prix with AI or Career Practice/Short Race. Time Trial has no traffic, so use it only to learn corner exits.
In-game menus you’ll use:
- Settings > Controls > Edit Button Bindings:
  - Map ERS Overtake (toggle).
  - Map DRS.
- On track, check HUD elements:
  - ERS battery percentage/bar.
  - DRS icon (green when available).
  - Brake boards (150m/100m/50m).
  - Proximity arrows and rival car delta.

Tip: In Assists, beginners can use ABS: On, Traction Control: Medium, Racing Line: Corners Only to stabilize exits while learning overtakes.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix / Improve how to time an overtake in F125

Map and test your buttons

Go to Settings > Controls > Edit Button Bindings.
Ensure ERS Overtake and DRS are comfortable and distinct. Test in a practice session.
Success: You can toggle Overtake on/off and open DRS when the icon goes green.

Pick the right overtake zones

Choose long straights or DRS zones, ideally after slow corners (e.g., Bahrain T10→T11 straight, Austria T3→T4).
Success: You can point to 1–2 corners per track where passes are “on.”

Plan the detection line

Your only job before the detection line is to be ≤0.9s behind.
If you’re 1.1–1.3s away at the detection, use a small Overtake burst a few corners earlier to close in—then turn it off to recharge on the straight.
Success: You repeatedly get the green DRS icon on the following straight.

Prioritize the exit over the entry

On the corner before the straight, brake a touch earlier, rotate cleanly, and take a late apex to maximize traction.
Short-shift if on a pad to prevent wheelspin.
Success: You’re smooth on throttle and don’t need countersteer corrections on exit.

Launch with ERS, then open DRS

Toggle ERS Overtake from late apex to early straight (0.5–1.5s burst). Don’t hold it all the way.
Cross the DRS activation line, then press DRS as the icon turns green.
Success: Your closing speed increases noticeably; the ERS bar doesn’t crash to empty.

Commit early, not late

Aim to be at least half a car ahead or fully alongside by the 100m board.
If on the inside: brake slightly earlier than your normal marker and defend the apex.
If on the outside: brake earlier, carry more mid-corner speed, prepare for a switchback or to hang it around the outside.
Success: You turn in without panic braking or contact.

Manage the pass and the battery

As soon as your rear wheels are ahead and you’ve claimed the racing line, toggle Overtake off to save energy and avoid wheelspin.
Move gently back to the racing line for the next corner, leaving a car’s width if the rival is still alongside.
Success: “DRS + ERS → overlap → off” becomes a rhythm, and your ERS is healthy for the next attempt.

Prepare the next corner

Expect a counterattack if you passed early in the straight. Brake on the defensive line if needed (but not dangerously late).
Reset brake bias and focus on exit again.
Success: You’re not re-passed immediately and you stay within track limits.

Common Mistakes and Myths About how to time an overtake in F125

Mistake: Holding ERS Overtake for entire laps.
- Fix: Use bursts (1–3 seconds) at corner exits. Save some charge for the final third of the lap.
Mistake: Sending it from too far back.
- Fix: If you’re not at least alongside by the 100m board, live to fight the next corner/zone.
Mistake: Overtaking before a second DRS zone.
- Fix: Sometimes stay behind through Zone 1 so you keep DRS in Zone 2 and pass with less ERS spent.
Myth: DRS guarantees a pass.
- Reality: Without a strong exit and ERS burst, rivals with good traction will still defend.
Myth: Always take the inside.
- Reality: Outside into slow corners can set up a switchback if the rival over-defends the apex.

Troubleshooting and “What If It Still Feels Wrong?”

Problem: I never get DRS.
- Likely cause: Overdriving in dirty air and losing front grip pre-detection.
- Try: Back off slightly through the fast corner before detection; use a small ERS burst earlier to be ≤0.9s at the line. Consider lowering front wing 1 click for stability in dirty air.
Problem: ERS feels useless / I’m slow on straights.
- Likely cause: Battery drained or “derating” at low percentage.
- Try: Stop holding Overtake. Recharge for a lap with minimal ERS use, and deploy only in 1–2 key zones.
Problem: I get wheelspin when I hit Overtake.
- Likely cause: Deploying too early or too aggressively on a pad.
- Try: Short-shift 1 gear on exit, toggle Overtake 0.3–0.5s later, or use Traction Control: Medium while learning.
Problem: I out-brake myself when side by side.
- Likely cause: Braking on a tighter/dirty line.
- Try: Brake 5–10 meters earlier than usual when on the inside or outside. Consider moving brake bias forward by 1–2% for the move, then reset.
Problem: DRS won’t open.
- Likely cause: Not within 1.0s at detection, race control has DRS disabled (early laps, safety car, or wet conditions).
- Try: Confirm the DRS icon. If it’s greyed out in the wet, you’ll need ERS + exit only.
Problem: AI keeps re-passing me instantly.
- Likely cause: You’re overtaking too early on the straight or leaving DRS for them.
- Try: Time the pass later on the straight or delay until the final third. Break the tow after the pass.
Problem: I can’t get close enough at all.
- Likely cause: AI difficulty too high for your current consistency.
- Try: Lower AI by 1–3 points, improve exits, and revisit. Increment difficulty as you stabilize.

Note: Don’t max out wings or diff just for top speed. Extreme setups can make the car undriveable on a controller and ruin exits.

Pro Tips Once You’re Comfortable

Burst philosophy: Overtake on exit → off when overlap achieved → on briefly if needed to seal → off before braking.
DRS stacking: Intentionally delay an overtake to keep DRS for the next zone, pass with less ERS, and defend the following corner.
Exit over entry: A slightly slower entry that gives you a planted, early throttle wins more passes than a late-brake lunge.
Defensive awareness: If you pass early, shift one car-width off-center to shorten the rival’s tow without weaving.
Micro-adjust bias: +1–2% forward for a committed inside move helps stability; return to normal after the corner.

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

Run a 5–25% race at Bahrain or Austria and check:

You get DRS 3 laps in a row into a main straight.
You complete at least 2 clean overtakes where you’re alongside by the 100m board.
Your ERS ends the lap above ~20–30% instead of empty.
You’re not re-passed immediately on the next straight more than once.

You should see green DRS icons consistently, a healthy ERS bar most of the lap, and calm, earlier braking when side by side.

ERS mastery: Learn exactly when to spend and save for race-long pace.
Braking technique: Nail consistency so your side-by-side moves stick.
Racecraft and defending: How to hold position cleanly without overusing ERS.

Now that your how to time an overtake in F125 is dialed in, the next big gain usually comes from improving your braking technique. Check out our guide on F125 braking technique next.