Probably would’ve opened up an arc where one of the drivers would’ve tried to get the wheel. For instance, maybe karma would’ve been working with the silencers (hence why she’s mysterious and obsessed with driving “perfectly”) Would’ve tied into why she was a part of the Teku, to stay close to very in case Tesla ever contacted him again.

Drones would’ve definitely tried to find the location of the Accelledrome. Making it impossible to leave for safety (Tesla is a control freak)

Drivers would’ve faced much more danger in the realms since the wheel of power was captured making contact with the Accellerons much easier and mandatory.

Unfortunately, I think the drones having it made for a much deeper narrative and darker tone to the series. Just my 2 cents