The invention relates to a method for controlling a drive system (1) and to a drive system (1) having a drive machine (2) which is connected to a first element (6) of an epicyclic gearing (5). The drive system (1) also comprises a shift gearing (4) which is connected to a third element (9) of the epicyclic gearing. Also provided is a hydrostatic machine (3) which is connected to a second element (7) of the epicyclic gearing (5). The hydrostatic machine (3) is set to a negligible displacement volume (VhM) A gear stage of the shift gearing (4) is engaged. The displacement volume (VhM) of the hydrostatic machine (3) is increased and the hydrostatic machine (3) charges a hydraulic accumulator (26). After moment equilibrium is reached in the epicyclic gearing (5), the displacement volume (VhM) of the hydrostatic machine (3) is supplied to the epicyclic gearing (5). In the event of synchronization of the epicyclic gearing (5), a clutch (12) for blocking the epicyclic gearing (5) is closed. The hydraulic accumulator (26) is discharged further via the hydrostatic machine (3) and adds a torque generated by the drive machine (2).