Overtaking boom: +150% compared to 2025

F1, overtaking objective When Formula 1 decided to tweak the regulations, one of the main objectives was to increase overtaking on the track. And to achieve this goal it was decided to rethink the aerodynamics of the single-seaters, abandoning the principle of ground effect to try to create races in which the drivers could follow each other more closely. All with the possibility of also taking advantage of the 50:50 split between combustion engine and hybrid and therefore focusing on more options available for overtaking and counter-overtaking manoeuvres. What we saw in the first three races was a bit surprising compared to the recent past of the category: overtaking has certainly increased, but almost all of it took place using the charging and discharging of the battery. This has generated what the English have already nicknamed “yo-yos”, with pilots forced to overtake – even without wanting to – their colleagues who suddenly ran out of power. Then generating situations of absolute danger, as occurred in the accident that occurred to Oliver Bearman of Haas, who had to avoid Franco Colapinto of Alpine. A dizzying increase GARESOVERTAKINGS IN 2024OVERTAKINGS IN 2025OVERTAKINGS IN 2026GP Australia3545125Sprint China6539134GP China10290146GP Japan 8528106Average71,7550,5127,5Source: BBC The data from these first races of 2026, however, speak for themselves, the overtaking increased by 152.97% compared to the same weekends in 2025. A dizzying progress, approximately 2.5 times compared to twelve months ago.
The Suzuka Japanese Grand Prix was the one with the most important increase: +278% compared to 2025, followed by the Chinese Sprint: +243%.
As is known, F1 will evaluate next week – April 9th ​​- the changes to be made to what has been seen in the first world championship events, but there is a certain desire to defend in terms of spectacle what has been seen so far on the track.