Red Bull driver Isack Hadjar said at the Japanese Grand Prix that Formula 1's new power unit era and greater electrical energy emphasis have made overtaking possible between cars of similar pace, with 149 overtakes recorded in the first three races of 2026.
Hadjar explained that increased focus on energy management forces drivers to lift and coast earlier before corners, reducing the pace gap previously needed to pass, and he said engineers and teams will need time to adapt.
Hadjar suggested more efficient batteries as one potential tweak. F1 stakeholders met on 9 April to discuss rule adjustments amid discontent over qualifying behaviour and safety concerns, after 63 comparable passes were recorded in the same early-season races last year.
This report is based on information originally published by Motorsport.
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