30% more Formula 1 overtaking in 2022
The aim of the new regulations introduced in 2022 was to allow more overtaking. A successful mission if we look at the figures revealed by Pirelli. In fact, there were 30% more overtakes than in 2021.
It’s a true confirmation for the new single-seaters that made their debut season in 2022. They brought a major novelty, the ground effect. This phenomenon, which generates a lot of aerodynamic downforce, doesn’t produce significant turbulences and allows drivers to follow each other without degrading their tires. Mario Isola, the head of Pirelli, is satisfied with the increase in the number of overtakes in 2022. The total number of overtakes this year is 785, compared to 59 in the 2021 season.
« These are just the real surpasses. I think it’s a very good figure, 30% more, considering that it’s based on facts, so it’s not exaggerated. It’s a very good point. »
He declares.
18-inch tires more balanced.
Pirelli wanted to highlight the progress brought by the 18-inch tires introduced this year. They are equipped with rim covers and generate less dirty air. The Formula 1 tires slide less in corners and have better degradation over a stint.
The fact that when they follow each other, they lose less downforce obviously helps the tires, because they don’t slide more, they slide less, and they don’t overheat.
We have decided to introduce this new family of compounds with much less overheating, with a certain level of degradation. But the drivers, even with thermal degradation, can still attack because they complained in the past that when they were following another car and were attacking, they would start to lose grip and slide. And obviously, there was no possibility to attack again.
Intense fights in the middle of the pack
The increased performance of the new tires was particularly evident during the battles in the midfield. We witnessed multiple drivers fighting each other for many laps, managing to stay close and attack each other without losing much pace. Alpine, McLaren, and Aston Martin showcased this during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with a thrilling four-way battle that only saw significant degradation in the final laps of the race.
There were battles between two or three cars, overtaking each other, trying to take advantage of any opportunity or mistake from their competitor to overtake, and not just attacking one turn, but three, four, five laps.
