F1 2023: drivers feel overtaking is more difficult but data contradicts them. Drivers feel overtaking is more difficult.

The dissatisfaction of Formula 1 drivers regarding the difficulty of overtaking will be reported to the International Federation by the GPDA director, George Russell. This trend, theoretically, would have increased compared to the 2022 racing campaign. One of the pillars of the current cars aimed to facilitate overtaking on the track and this was achieved thanks to the ability of ground-effect single-seaters to stay in the slipstream without excessive loss of aerodynamic downforce.

The goal was partially achieved, as admitted by the drivers during the previous championship. However, the aerodynamic evolution of the current cars, achieved through the designers’ ability to innovate through borderline interpretations of the regulations, seems to have minimized the benefits studied by the FIA’s technical direction.

From a quantitative point of view, the driving sensations are contradicted by a precise comparison made between the overtakes of the previous season and those that took place during the first five rounds of the 2023 championship. Only in the opening race in Bahrain were there fewer overtaking maneuvers compared to 2022. While in the following four world championship events, the comparison remains relatively stable.

Most likely, the drivers’ perception is somewhat affected by the Federation’s choices, which, in an attempt to improve things, decided to reduce the length of the DRS activation zones on various circuits. This measure aims to prevent the pack from spreading out too quickly. However, with a hint of cunning, this measure can be attributed to the need to contain the astounding efficiency of the Red Bull RB19. Nevertheless, it seems that this measure has not produced the desired effect.

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The five races that have been held so far have been characterized by the same dynamics: the two Austrian cars in a solitary lead, Aston Martin, Ferrari, and Mercedes in no man’s land, and the rest of the pack at a considerable distance. There are also other factors that are contributing to the lack of action on the track. The drivers of the so-called new generation, in fact, rely heavily on the drag reduction system to complete overtaking maneuvers and as a strategic means to attack or defend.

Just remember the simultaneous lock-up of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, last year in Jeddah, near the activation line of the movable rear wing located close to turn 27. Secondly, the massive dimensions of the cars have become excessive compared to the track surface of some circuits, especially those of the old style. This was evident at Imola, where the width is significantly reduced in several sections of the track.

F1: Dan Fallows does not share the drivers’ complaints
The continuous pursuit of increased aerodynamic downforce, as mentioned earlier, has led designers to come up with aerodynamic philosophies different from the model studied by the FIA in drafting the new technical specifications for ground-effect single-seaters. The diligent investigation of the gray areas of the regulations, capable of providing a few percentage points of additional vertical thrust, has partially “muddied” the airflow towards the rear of the 2023 cars.

Nevertheless, the dissatisfaction expressed by the drivers is not supported by the evidence gathered in the field by the engineers of the teams. Dan Fallows, Technical Director of Aston Martin, rejects such complaints. The former Red Bull engineer is aware of the discussions surrounding these issues and, as a direct party involved, denies the presence of evidence supporting the raised claims. The 49-year-old aerodynamicist emphasizes an important aspect: the difference in technical specifications of the cars, which obviously makes a significant difference.

Another factor concerns the timing. It is still too early, after only five Grands Prix, to confidently state that this scenario is factual. In fact, the comparison between the two years under examination regarding overtakes made in the first five rounds demonstrates, at least in quantitative terms, that the alleged decrease in such on-track actions has not been apparent thus far, as explained by Formula 1 expert Alessandro Arcari for FUnoanalisitecnica.

Ultimately, we can argue that the leveling of performance behind Red Bull may have contributed to the impression that overtaking on the track has suddenly become a much more complex exercise compared to the previous championship. Currently, the winning strategy may not always be represented by the DRS but rather by the optimal management of the tires.