Over the last decade, regulation tweaks and driver-activated overtaking aids have increased the number of passing opportunities across single-seater series. But while there are more passes than ever, there’s a perception among fans that far too many of the overtaking moves they see drivers pull off are not down to skill, but due to the press of a button.
Formula 1 has had its rear wing-opening Drag Reduction System since the 2011 season which can be used in certain sections of the circuit when within a second of the car ahead. This year, despite the radical new regulations, the volume of DRS zones remained the same and even increased at some circuits.
But that does not mean there were not some excellent moves made outside of DRS zones in F1 this season. And across the vast spectrum of single-seater competitions, there were many examples to show that the art of overtaking is still alive and well today.
Epps storms from 19th to first in five corners (Walter Hayes Trophy)
In the Progression Race of the Walter Hayes Trophy – a shootout event for Formula Ford 1600 cars held at Silverstone – former British Touring Car Championship racer Mike Epps produced a sensational drive to go from 23rd on the grid to win by 9.383s.
But what was most impressive was how rapidly he acquired the lead. He overtook six cars by the first corner, and had cleared six more before the race was red-flagged due to a crash.
At the restart, Epps (blue car with white nose, #30) was 19th on the grid, and on a wet track overtook ten cars between Copse and Maggotts. Using the inside line down the Wellington Straight he flew past six more, and turned third into first through Brooklands and Luffield. All the more remarkable given Epps had never driven a FF1600 car prior to the weekend.
Gray’s towering pass at Croft (British F4)
Third to first, around the outside of Tower? 👀
No problem, says @OllieGray63 🚀#BritishF4 | #ROKiT pic.twitter.com/kihKczc9eb
— ROKiT British F4 (@BritishF4) November 21, 2022
Formula 4 cars do not have any overtaking aids and, like F3, the British F4 series uses spec cars. The third Ollie on this list, Williams junior Gray (#63) completed a third-to-first move at Croft in the British Formula 4 championship by sneaking up on and then going around the outside of two battling drivers.
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