Everyone loves the new F1 with thrilling overtakes. Well… maybe
Are these overtakes genuinely thrilling, keeping fans glued to the screen, or do they leave a slightly artificial aftertaste? The reality of Formula 1’s new era sometimes clashes with the complaints of drivers and nostalgic fans. Toto Wolff, who has dominated every session so far in 2026, put it plainly: while pure qualifying speed would be great, the overwhelming majority of fans across all age groups love this F1, especially for the excitement of overtakes and social media buzz.
Even one of the sport’s most experienced drivers, Lewis Hamilton, who has been on the grid for 20 years, has embraced the new era after securing his first podium in a year. He described the racing as the most fun he’s ever had in F1, comparing it to go-karting with constant position changes — a style quickly dubbed “yo-yo overtakes” in the UK.
Some drivers, however, remain critical. Max Verstappen has openly expressed frustration with the format, arguing that the constant battery management undermines clean overtakes. Toto Wolff responded, noting that Verstappen’s complaints stem from struggling with a difficult-to-drive car, a sentiment echoed by Audi’s Jonathan Wheatley, who reminded fans that these remarks reflect Max’s current position rather than the overall racing spectacle.
Fernando Alonso weighed in as well, noting that race starts still rely heavily on instinct, contrasting them with the new hybrid era. Young drivers like Ollie Bearman highlighted the strategic calculations now required: overtakes are not just about speed but energy management, as seen when Franco Colapinto regained a position on the straight after Oliver Bearman’s battery ran low. Charles Leclerc also emphasized that modern overtaking requires careful planning; mismanaging energy on one straight can have consequences later in the lap.
Despite these criticisms, the 2026 season has delivered electrifying battles on track. In China, there were eight overtakes between Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, and in Australia, five between George Russell and Charles Leclerc. Fans wanted more excitement — and that’s exactly what they got. Fast, thrilling, and strategically complex, this new era of F1 overtaking is here to stay.
While the 2026 regulations have certainly succeeded in increasing the frequency of on-track action, the paddock therefore remains deeply divided on whether “yo-yo overtakes” represent the pinnacle of racing or merely a high-tech game of energy management.
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