Maybe by no means earlier than has the Japanese GP upset F1 followers like this yr. 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 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 group 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” knowledge 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 reminiscent of Imola and Qatar—the place overtaking is troublesome—elevate issues, 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 troublesome: right here’s why
However why is overtaking changing into tougher in in the present day’s Method 1? One rationalization comes from Andrea Stella, echoed by others within the paddock.
“We maintain including downforce to the vehicles, which suggests the losses [when following a rival] are even higher, 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 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 observe carefully, 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 much like do something,” stated Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri added: “We got here near overtaking a few occasions, however monitor place is necessary right here. I believe yesterday (in qualifying) was when the race was truly received.”
Carlos Sainz additionally made robust feedback: “The midfield could be very tight, and on a monitor the place it’s a must to be 0.7 to 0.8 seconds sooner to overhaul, it was inconceivable to anticipate a race the place you possibly can make up floor,” he stated. “This monitor has, in a approach, change into much like Monaco when it comes to how troublesome overtaking is.” – the previous Ferrari driver concluded.
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