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 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 all the race, solely 15 overtakes have been accomplished, whereas greater than half the grid completed in the identical place they began.
Among the many prime 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 have 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 pressure between the latter and Max Verstappen on pit lane exit. Other than that, it was plain crusing.
The “alarming” information from the Japanese GP counsel a close to future for F1 the place qualifying will grow to be more and more decisive over the course of a race weekend. Circuits comparable to Imola and Qatar—the place overtaking is troublesome—elevate 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 troublesome: right here’s why
However why is overtaking changing into tougher in at present’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 feel soiled air is an issue,” Andrea Stella defined.
“We noticed it in China as properly 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.”
“Though this technology of vehicles was designed to enhance the flexibility to comply with intently, they’ve as soon as once more grow to be 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 have 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,” mentioned 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 really received.”
Carlos Sainz additionally made robust feedback: “The midfield may 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 count on a race the place you might make up floor,” he mentioned. “This observe has, in a means, grow to be just like Monaco by way of how troublesome overtaking is.” – the previous Ferrari driver concluded.
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