Maybe by no means earlier than has the Japanese GP disillusioned F1 followers like this 12 months. The Suzuka circuit, probably the most appreciated by drivers and infrequently the scene of thrilling races, this time delivered one of many dullest races in latest reminiscence, sparking concern about different tracks on the calendar.
The Grand Prix featured a clear begin, with nearly all drivers sustaining their beginning positions. Over the course of the complete 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 staff radio messages from Alex Albon, timid assault makes an attempt between Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, and a second of stress 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 equivalent to Imola and Qatar—the place overtaking is tough—elevate issues, as do others like Baku, the place final 12 months, 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 tougher in in the present day’s Formulation 1? One clarification comes from Andrea Stella, echoed by others within the paddock.
“We hold including downforce to the automobiles, which implies the losses [when following a rival] are even larger, so I believe soiled air is an issue,” Andrea Stella defined.
“We noticed it in China as effectively with Lewis Hamilton—when he was main the Dash, he might do virtually something he wished, even with a broken tyre. So being in entrance is a major benefit.”
“Although this era of automobiles was designed to enhance the flexibility to comply with intently, they’ve as soon as once more change into so aerodynamically dependent that as quickly as you get into the slipstream of the automobile 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 vital right here. I believe yesterday (in qualifying) was when the race was really gained.”
Carlos Sainz additionally made robust feedback: “The midfield may be very tight, and on a observe the place it’s important to be 0.7 to 0.8 seconds quicker to overhaul, it was not possible to count on a race the place you can 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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