Maybe by no means earlier than has the Japanese GP disillusioned F1 followers like this yr. The Suzuka circuit, one of the appreciated by drivers and sometimes 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 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 have 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 pressure between the latter and Max Verstappen on pit lane exit. Except for that, it was plain crusing.
The “alarming” information from the Japanese GP recommend a close to future for F1 the place qualifying will turn into more and more decisive over the course of a race weekend. Circuits akin to Imola and Qatar—the place overtaking is tough—increase 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 tough: right here’s why
However why is overtaking changing into tougher in right this moment’s System 1? One rationalization comes from Andrea Stella, echoed by others within the paddock.
“We preserve including downforce to the automobiles, 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 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.”
“Regardless that this era of automobiles was designed to enhance the power to observe intently, they’ve as soon as once more turn 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 have 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 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 monitor the place it’s important to be 0.7 to 0.8 seconds sooner to overhaul, it was unimaginable to anticipate a race the place you possibly can make up floor,” he stated. “This monitor has, in a method, turn into much like Monaco by way of how tough overtaking is.” – the previous Ferrari driver concluded.
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