Formula 1's break until the Miami Grand Prix represents the first (and necessary) period of reflection for the highest category of motorsports, regarding the new regulations that came into force in 2026 and that are not entirely well-received.

The complaints have focused on a few clear areas: safety (the Bearman accident at Suzuka is the focus), energy management and use, and the spectacle itself on the track. The drivers, the main protagonists, are not happy with what they see. The fans are also showing their discontent, as the audience figures show. But there is also one very important element that is fueling the discussions: overtaking.

Overtaking is the spectacle of this sport, adored since Formula 1 existed. “There is no impossible turn, it is only a matter of timing”, said the legend Ayrton Senna. Fernando Alonso also explained it as a matter of courage: “I knew he would brake because he is married and has two children”, he recounted about one of his most famous maneuvers against Schumacher at the 130R turn in Suzuka. However, the lack of overtaking has always caused debate, even bringing about eras such as that of DRS or KERS to make it easier for drivers.

MORE OVERHEADS, MORE PROBLEMS – In the new Formula 1, the situation has changed. The data shows that there are more overtakings, but the perception is different. In Australia, 125 overtakings were recorded compared to 45 in 2025, in China 134 in the sprint and 146 in the race (compared to 65 and 39 a year ago), while in Japan 106 were achieved, when previously there were only 28. In theory, these statistics should have been a success, but neither the drivers nor the fans see it that way. The main problem is that these overtakings are considered more random.

“Overtaking happens unintentionally. Suddenly you find yourself with more battery than the car in front. You either pass it or you crash into it,” Alonso said in Japan. “There’s no more pleasure, overtaking unintentionally. You just avoid problems, there’s no more courage or line choice. It all depends on the battery difference,” the Spaniard added. His words seemed prophetic after the Bearman accident. Also, these maneuvers are no longer directly related to the skill of the driver.

A large part of the cars' performance is determined by the software, which sets the strategy, when to save energy and when to use it to the maximum. The driver seems more like a passenger. This was also emphasized by Lando Norris: "I didn't want to pass Hamilton, it happened unintentionally. I ran out of battery and passed him, but it wasn't my choice. I couldn't control it. Then he passed me. It's not a race...".

F1 DEFENSE – These statements have made overtaking a visible problem. On the other hand, Formula 1 executives are trying to defend the situation. “What is artificial? An overtaking is an overtaking,” declared CEO Stefano Domenicali. “People quickly forget, in the 80s it was about saving fuel. It's part of the game,” he added.

The Italian compares energy management to other eras of the sport, but few have generated as much controversy as the 2026 regulations. At the heart of the debate is the fact that decisions on the track are increasingly being made by computer programs rather than by drivers. This is accompanied by fan dissatisfaction and a regulation that cannot be changed overnight. A real problem and a major dilemma for the future of the sport