Maybe by no means earlier than has the Japanese GP dissatisfied F1 followers like this yr. The Suzuka circuit, one of the vital appreciated by drivers and infrequently the scene of thrilling races, this time delivered one of many dullest races in current reminiscence, sparking concern about different tracks on the calendar.
The Grand Prix featured a clear begin, with virtually all drivers sustaining their beginning positions. Over the course of your entire race, solely 15 overtakes had been accomplished, whereas greater than half the grid completed in the identical place they began.
Among the many high ten, regardless of some closing gaps between Russell and Leclerc and later between Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen, solely Lewis Hamilton accomplished an overtake—on Isack Hadjar. The highlights of the race had been restricted to heated workforce radio messages from Alex Albon, timid assault makes an attempt between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and a second of rigidity between the latter and Max Verstappen on pit lane exit. Apart from that, it was plain crusing.
The “alarming” information from the Japanese GP counsel a close to future for F1 the place qualifying will change into more and more decisive over the course of a race weekend. Circuits comparable to Imola and Qatar—the place overtaking is tough—increase considerations, as do others like Baku, the place final yr, after being handed, Charles Leclerc was unable to regain his place from Oscar Piastri.
Overtaking is changing into more and more tough: right here’s why
However why is overtaking changing into harder in right this moment’s Formulation 1? One rationalization comes from Andrea Stella, echoed by others within the paddock.
“We preserve including downforce to the vehicles, which suggests the losses [when following a rival] are even larger, so I feel soiled air is an issue,” Andrea Stella defined.
“We noticed it in China as nicely with Lewis Hamilton—when he was main the Dash, he may do virtually something he needed, even with a broken tyre. So being in entrance is a big benefit.”
“Regardless that this technology of vehicles was designed to enhance the flexibility to comply with carefully, they’ve as soon as once more change into so aerodynamically dependent that as quickly as you get into the slipstream of the automotive in entrance, you lose efficiency,” the Italian added.
Andrea Stella’s statements had been backed up by a number of drivers. “It was flat-out from begin to end, however the tempo was too just like do something,” stated Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri added: “We got here near overtaking a few instances, however observe place is necessary right here. I feel yesterday (in qualifying) was when the race was truly gained.”
Carlos Sainz additionally made robust feedback: “The midfield could be very tight, and on a observe the place you need to be 0.7 to 0.8 seconds sooner to overhaul, it was unattainable to anticipate a race the place you would make up floor,” he stated. “This observe has, in a method, change into just like Monaco when it comes to how tough overtaking is.” – the previous Ferrari driver concluded.
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