David Croft praises Lewis Hamilton’s genuine overtakes in China: “Not assisted by battery”. David Croft highlights Lewis Hamilton’s impressive overtakes in China.

Show in red
The battles seen in China, particularly between Ferrari teammates Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc, sparked debate among F1 fans. Many wondered whether the thrilling duel at the Shanghai Grand Prix was “real,” given the new energy-dependent rules. In the end, the Briton managed to edge out his Maranello teammate, securing his first podium as a Ferrari driver, earning applause and compliments from his teammate after the race.

While some skeptics questioned the authenticity of the show, Sky Sports UK F1 commentator David Croft came to Hamilton’s defense. Analyzing the action between the two Ferrari cars, David Croft highlighted the specific zones where Hamilton executed some of his overtakes, asserting that these moves were entirely “his own work” and not assisted by the car’s battery.

Talent, not just battery
“There are some overtakes that are not assisted by the battery, that do not rely solely on the ‘overtake mode’,” David Croft explained. “During the Shanghai Grand Prix weekend, Lewis Hamilton made two overtakes at Turn 8. This isn’t just about using the battery. That’s a place where overtaking is normally very difficult,” David Croft emphasized. “My impression is that much of what we’re seeing is an ‘organic’ race. Naturally, the drivers use the tools at their disposal, but not every overtake we see is aided by the battery.”

David Croft also called for better graphical clarity from Formula 1, so fans and commentators can fully understand what is happening on track and inside the drivers’ cockpit: “There’s an idea that everything we see is happening because of the battery, but that’s not always the case. We need more graphical representations so everyone can understand, especially at the start of this new regulation era,” concluded the British commentator.

The duel between the two Ferrari stars provided the highlight of the weekend, proving that the SF-26 can race hard without falling into the “Mario Kart” traps feared by some rivals. If the British driver can continue to find these non-assisted passing opportunities, his hunt for the top step of the podium will only accelerate. All eyes now turn to Japan and Miami to see if the Ferrari drivers can keep up this level of “organic” entertainment.