Recent changes in regulations have not been favorable for drivers in terms of overtaking. Sergio Perez expressed his concern about this issue after the race in Bahrain. The goal of the regulations was to improve racing ability by reducing the turbulence caused by leading cars and minimizing the loss of downforce. However, recent reports suggest that the loss of downforce is now close to 35%, which has contributed to the lack of action in on-track races.
During his media obligations, Perez addressed this urgent issue and highlighted the worsened effect of dirty air with the new cars. In the Bahrain GP, he finished 22 seconds behind his teammate and successfully defended his position against a charging competitor. The shortage of overtaking in the race raised questions about the impact of dirty air.
His teammate, Carlos Sainz, also spoke about the challenges presented by dirty air. He mentioned how cars from 2024 tend to slide under its effect, making it difficult for drivers to take risks and catch up to the leading car to benefit from DRS.
The concerns raised by both Sainz and Perez are significant, and it is crucial for the FIA to intervene and address this issue promptly. Drivers and fans eagerly await the FIA’s response and hope for a solution before the implementation of the 2026 rules.
