Is an old problem sneaking back into Formula 1? 'Like 2021 again'
F1 News
Christian Horner reports Formula 1 drivers are experiencing bad, dirty air again in Grands Prix. This claim was made after the Hungarian Grand Prix, which saw Red Bull put Max Verstappen on a strategy that required the Dutchman to make multiple overtakes if he was to make it back to the podium.
The current set of rules and regulations was introduced for the 2022 Formula 1 season. They were designed with many aims in mind, but one of the more hotly discussed topics was making it easier for cars to follow each other on the race track. The general consensus suggests these changes were successful in allowing cars to follow each other more easily. However, according to Horner, that may not last much longer.
Is dirty air a problem in Formula 1?
"Listening to the drivers, particularly in the debrief just now, it sounds like we're getting back towards 2021. Not as bad as 2021, but obviously, as the cars are becoming more developed, they're becoming harder to follow. So the dirty air is becoming a bigger issue," Horner told GPblog and others in the paddock.
Red Bull Racing haven't had to do much following in the current set of regulations because they have been so dominant. At least, that's certainly the case for Max Verstappen. Even in 2024, he has led nearly 450 laps. No other driver has led for more than 100 laps. But McLaren and Mercedes have undoubtedly closed the gap, and Red Bull is having to battle on track so the Red Bull boss wants to investigate. Though he doesn't think Red Bull are alone as he highlights the same happened to McLaren.
"We'll draw a chunk of analysis out of that race [Hungary]. You could see the middle sector was affected very badly. [It happened] even when Lando [Norris] dropped behind Oscar [Piastri] in those last couple of laps," Horner added.
A week after Horner made these comments, the Belgian Grand Prix took place. Verstappen previously started in the midfield due to engine penalties and ended up winning, but his progress was halted when he caught up with the front-runners in 2024. Nevertheless, Verstappen still leads the Drivers' World Championship by 78 points.