George Russell believes it is "only natural" that following is becoming harder in Formula 1 as the regulations mature. The 2022 technical regulations were designed to aid following and overtaking by using ground-effects to create downforce, but drivers are beginning to report that it is becoming tricky once again to follow close behind rivals. The rules will remain in place until the end of the 2025 season before the regulations are revamped once again, but Russell feels as the rules mature, it is to be expected that following and overtaking becomes more of a challenge.
"I wouldn't say it is getting easier, it is either staying the same or getting slightly worse," Russell told media including RacingNews365. "But I think it is only natural as we're all moving further and further away from the initial regulations." Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg added that he felt "several factors" were involved behind following becoming harder. "It's probably car-dependent, some cars take it better than others," the German said. "I think, like George says, it is definitely not getting better, maybe slightly worse, but it also depends. "If you have a bunch of cars in front, so two or three, it makes it worse than just one [car], so there are several factors that play into it.
Most read
Never miss a thing from the Formula 1 season! Add the 2026 F1 schedule to your calendar at the touch of a button. Subscribe below and put the dates and times of every race directly on your PC or smartphone, so you don't miss a second from the new season.
Download the F1 calendar Download the F1 calendar
A variant with just the race and qualifying is also available.
Click here to download it..
