Isack Hadjar: F1 Overtakes Now Possible With Similar Pace

Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar has highlighted a significant shift in the dynamics of overtaking in Formula 1, noting that the 2026 season has made it possible for drivers to pass one another even when possessing similar pace.

Speaking on April 9, 2026, during the Japanese Grand Prix, Hadjar observed that the current era of racing no longer requires the attacking car to be substantially faster than the car ahead to complete a maneuver.

The Impact of the New Power Unit Era

This change in competition is attributed to Formula 1’s new power unit era, which features an increase in electrical power. This technological shift has placed a much greater emphasis on energy management for the drivers.

According to Hadjar, this focus on energy management facilitates easier overtaking because drivers are now slowing down earlier before entering corners.

The shift in dynamics is reflected in the data from the start of the 2026 season. A total of 149 overtaking moves were recorded during the first three grands prix of the year.

This figure is considered conservative, as it only accounts for overtaking-related position changes on the finish line and excludes the first lap of each race.

Comparing 2026 to 2025 Statistics

The increase in overtaking is substantial when compared to the same period in the previous season. In 2025, the races in Melbourne, Shanghai, and Suzuka saw a total of 63 passes.

Hadjar pointed out that in 2025, a driver typically needed a significant speed advantage to successfully overtake. He noted that it was often necessary to have a margin of six, seven, eight tenths’ advantage to pass the car in front.

In some instances during the 2025 season, Hadjar observed that once an overtake was completed, the car that had been passed was often unable to fight back or overtake again.

I think it’s the only time in a while where two cars with an identical pace can overtake each other back and forth

Isack Hadjar

Balance and Regulatory Adjustments

Despite the increase in on-track action, Hadjar suggested that the current system can feel a bit artificial at times. He emphasized the need for Formula 1 to find the right balance in the competition rules, though he maintained that the current state of racing is definitely better than it was in 2025.

Hadjar stated that some rules require adjustment and that engineers need more time to optimize the vehicles for the new regulations.

These concerns coincide with official Formula 1 meetings taking place on April 9, 2026. Officials are meeting to discuss potential regulatory adjustments.

The agenda for these discussions includes safety concerns following a recent accident, as well as issues regarding the ability of drivers to push during qualification sessions.

The 2026 season has already seen these new dynamics in play, with pre-season testing in Bahrain on February 19, 2026, demonstrating the use of Overtake Mode to facilitate passes.