Jeremy Clarkson suggests how F1 can solve the problem of overtaking, following the boring Japanese Grand Prix.
Sunday’s Grand Prix at Suzuka proved to be a 53 lap snooze fest as drivers struggled to overtake due to dirty air issues affecting the aerodynamic performance of the car.
There have been concerns that this season could be a “Qualifying World Championship,” with drivers winning all four races so far (including the Chinese Sprint) at pole position.
China’s Grand Prix was hardly a thriller, but Japan was particularly in line, with just 15 passing people and 11 of the 20 drivers finished in the same position as they began the race.
Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton was the only driver to take the position in the top 10.
Max Verstappen claimed Red Bull’s first victory in the season as he resisted racial pressure from Rand Norris and Oscar Piastri’s chasing McLaren.
Many fans, including former Top Gear host and regular F1 paddock Clarkson, were unhappy with the lack of action.
Clarkson used social media to share a simple fix. By urging F1 to avoid using trucks that are difficult to overtake.
“There was an idea that it would make Formula 1 races more consistently and exciting. Don’t use the track in places where it’s difficult to pass,” Clarkson wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“That’s true. The car is big so we accept it, ignore the ‘incentives’ and use the right truck. Ultimately, revenue comes from the fans. always.
“This morning’s Formula One race gave me the idea of what it might be like to watch cricket.”
Even the F1 drivers were bored
Norris said, not just fans, but he wasn’t left bored with the slimy Grand Prix.
“Max definitely drove a good race and ultimately ended up in qualifying position.”
Formula 1 rookie Gabriel Boltreto commented:
“Even if you had more pace, or even if it was my case towards the end of the race, it wasn’t enough to have that big pace advantage.
“I tried twice (to overtake) but couldn’t line up at the end of the straight. It’s embarrassing, but I’ll move on.”
However, Fernando Alonso, who finished just outside the point on the 11th, pointed out that Formula 1 drivers always find something to complain about.
“Maybe pause isn’t the fun race we wanted, and there may be differences in tires at multiple stops in the past,” he said.
“When you don’t have a grip, you complain that there’s no grip. If there’s too many stops, you complain that the tires won’t last, so instead of looking at the negatives of the weekend, I enjoy this weekend’s experience.