SUZUKA, Japan — Following Sunday`s Japanese Grand Prix, a familiar question has resurfaced: Is overtaking becoming too challenging in Formula 1?
Despite Max Verstappen`s dominant victory, the race exposed a lack of overtaking action throughout the field. Post-first lap, the race saw only 15 overtaking maneuvers, a significant drop from 48 at the same track in 2024 and 29 in 2023. Notably, 11 drivers finished in their original starting positions.
The lack of excitement wasn`t limited to viewers. Even on the Suzuka circuit, known for its speed and thrill, several drivers described the 53 laps as monotonous.
Nico Hulkenberg of Sauber, who started and finished 16th, summarized the race as `long, dull, not much happening.` He added, `A significant portion of the race was spent in traffic, which isn`t enjoyable when you`re constantly staring at another car`s rear wing in the DRS zone. The dirty air from these cars makes overtaking incredibly difficult.`
Carlos Sainz of Williams, who managed a couple of late-race passes but still finished 15th from his starting position, drew parallels to Monaco. Monaco`s overtaking scarcity in 2024 prompted F1 to mandate two pit stops for the current year`s race, aiming to enhance the spectacle.
`The midfield is incredibly competitive, and on a circuit where you need to be 0.7 to 0.8 seconds faster to overtake, expecting a race with comebacks through the field was unrealistic,` he explained. `This track has become comparable to Monaco in terms of overtaking difficulty.`
Even rookie driver Gabriel Bortoleto found the race at Suzuka, his first experience on the high-speed circuit, to be unexciting.
`Staying behind the car ahead was a bit boring, not particularly difficult,` the Brazilian commented. `Even with a pace advantage towards the end, it wasn`t substantial enough to make a difference.`
`I attempted to overtake twice but couldn`t get alongside by the end of the straight. It`s disappointing, but we move forward.`
Reasons for Overtaking Difficulties in Japan
Following the Chinese Grand Prix, which also lacked wheel-to-wheel battles, the limited overtaking in Japan has amplified concerns about Formula 1`s on-track product. F1 has consistently focused on improving its `show,` implementing regulation adjustments since 2009 to promote overtaking and address `dirty air` issues.
Aerodynamic performance remains a primary differentiator in F1, with car designs optimized for clean airflow to maximize lap times. While some consideration is given to wind sensitivity, simulating turbulent air behind another car is complex. Developing for optimal lap time in clean air remains more advantageous.
The 2022 regulations, emphasizing underfloor aerodynamics, aimed to improve overtaking and reduce performance gaps. The intention was to lessen the impact of dirty air on aerodynamic surfaces. Initial improvements were observed between the end of 2021 and early 2022.
However, after four development seasons, cars have become more aerodynamically sensitive, encountering a `wall` of dirty air when approaching another car.
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly noted, `Getting close was very challenging. Once within 0.6 or 0.7 seconds, closing the final gap became extremely difficult.` He added, `With similar car performance, overtaking becomes very tough.`
Reduced downforce in dirty air also increases tyre strain. Following closely can overheat tyres as they compensate for lost aerodynamic performance, hindering overtaking attempts. Cars often close the gap, struggle in dirty air, and then drop back to cool tyres before re-attempting.
Leading drivers benefit from clean airflow, while those behind face the disadvantage of managing overheating tyres.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella commented, `Increased aerodynamic downforce amplifies performance loss in dirty air. Dirty air remains a problem. Even with the 2022 car generation designed to improve following, extensive aerodynamic development has made them so aerodynamically reliant that performance is lost when following.`
Dirty air isn`t new, but recent aerodynamic development doesn`t explain the 68% drop in Suzuka overtakes from 2024 to 2025. A key factor was the track resurfacing, creating smoother asphalt and minimal tyre degradation.
This meant drivers like Lando Norris, close to Verstappen, lacked the performance advantage for an overtake. McLaren`s tyre management strength, usually an advantage, was neutralized by Suzuka`s new surface.
Norris stated, `It was flat-out, but pace was too similar. Max drove flawlessly, and qualifying positions were decisive.`
Stella added, `You need a 0.7 to 0.8 second advantage to overtake here. Normally tyre degradation helps create that difference, but Suzuka`s new tarmac eliminated high degradation, leading to straightforward one-stop strategies and fewer strategic options. Tyre degradation as a variable was absent this year.`
Shanghai`s track resurfacing also contributed to similar race characteristics two weeks prior. Fernando Alonso noted drivers will always find something to critique.
`One-stop races might be less exciting than multi-stop races with tyre differences,` he said. `But when grip is low, we complain; when stops are many, we complain about tyre durability. Instead of focusing on negatives, let`s appreciate the weekend. Suzuka was another great event.`
Exploring Solutions for More Exciting Races
While dirty air issues are amplified late in this regulation cycle, the 2022 rules did narrow team performance gaps. At Suzuka, the gap between the fastest car (Piastri`s McLaren) and 16th (Hulkenberg) in qualifying was under a second, highlighting increased competition.
Tight margins explain limited overtaking, especially with Suzuka`s 0.8-second overtake performance gap. Despite fewer overtakes, the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix was closer than the 2024 race, where Verstappen`s lead over the third-place non-Red Bull driver was 20 seconds.
If overtaking remains difficult with a tight field, championship outcomes might depend more on qualifying than race action.
Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur said, `Qualifying is always crucial. With smaller car gaps, it becomes even more critical, especially in the midfield pack. It might become a `quali` championship.`
Bahrain`s upcoming race will better assess F1`s overtaking challenges. Sakhir`s abrasive surface and layout offer more overtaking opportunities and higher tyre degradation, potentially increasing race action.
Some races will naturally be less eventful. Alonso emphasizes appreciating each circuit`s unique aspects.
`This is Suzuka. Even historically, overtakes here without weather changes are rare,` he noted. `We consistently praise Suzuka and Monaco pre-race for their greatness and spectacle, then post-race, we label Monaco boring and question Suzuka. This is Formula 1. Suzuka excels, primarily due to its incredible Saturday qualifying intensity.`
Dominic Ashworth