The 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 purpose of the regulations was to improve raceability by reducing turbulence caused by leading cars and minimizing downforce loss. However, recent reports suggest that the downforce loss is now close to 35%, which has contributed to the lack of racing action on the track.
During his media duties, Perez addressed this pressing issue and highlighted the worsening 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 scarcity of overtakes in the race has raised questions about the impact of dirty air.
His teammate, Carlos Sainz, also spoke about the challenges posed by dirty air. He mentioned how the cars starting 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 the 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. The drivers and fans eagerly await the FIA’s response and hope for a resolution before the implementation of the 2026 rules.