Is overtaking in Formula 1 becoming increasingly difficult? Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz believes that a “divebomb” is the best way to overtake the car in front
Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz believes that overtaking in Formula 1 is becoming increasingly difficult. “You have to do a few of these ‘divebombs’ if you want to make it,” says Sainz. In racing, a ‘dive bomb’ is a late braking maneuver directly out of the slipstream, often with a surprise effect.
“I think we’re getting to a point where it’s getting difficult to follow these cars and get into a position where you can overtake,” suspects the Spaniard, who noted at the last race in China that “it’s a bit difficult for everyone to overtake”.
The fact that overtaking is obviously not easy was also evident in the sprint race in Miami: Lewis Hamilton struggled with Kevin Magnussen. Sainz was stuck behind Daniel Ricciardo for almost the entire race and was unable to get past the Racing Bulls driver. And Charles Leclerc was unable to follow race leader Max Verstappen, partly because he felt the Dutchman’s turbulence.
“It’s always been like that, and I think it also depends a lot on the car,” muses the Monegasque. “Some teams say it’s getting worse. For some reason, it actually feels a bit better for me compared to last year, but we still feel it. “
Leclerc on difficulties: “It’s always been like this “
“Especially when it comes to the tires overheating,” explains Lerclerc, who is particularly struggling in the high temperatures in Miami. “As soon as you’re at the back, you have a bit less downforce, you slide a bit more, and then the overheating gets worse and worse. So it’s not track specific. I think it’s always been like that. “
Teammate Sainz already experienced the difficulties with the “dirty air” at the last race in China, when he got stuck behind Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) after his pit stop with fresh but hard tires. “In this case, I overdid it a bit, but I wanted to overtake him on the home straight anyway,” admitted the Ferrari driver after his attack.
“So, yes, I tried to make up the places we lost at the start, which were a bit too many,” grinned the Spaniard. In Miami, Leclerc and Sainz will start from second and third place, directly behind Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. If they get off to a good start on Sunday, anything is still possible at the Grand Prix of Miami despite the overtaking difficulties …
