David Coulthard: Overtakes will become more significant

      David Coulthard, former Formula 1 driver, participating in another episode of the Up to Speed podcast, suggested that the effects of the amendments made to the technical regulations a week ago will not be immediately apparent. In any case, in Miami, it will not be fully noticeable, and this is related to the characteristics of the American track's configuration.

      "I think it's not a given that we will see the results of these changes in Miami; it has to do with the nature of the track, but it will be interesting to see," the Scot believes. "There are many slow and medium-speed corners, but there are no truly fast sections or impressive combinations of turns where the capabilities of the drivers and cars really shine. Overall, I think we will have to wait for a few races.

      But I believe these amendments will have an impact; there is no doubt about that. Due to them, the number of overtakes on the track may decrease, but can a maneuver be considered a real overtake when one car's power level is reduced, while the driver of another car has a Boost button at their disposal that they can use when in the right spot on the track, providing their car with additional acceleration?..."

      According to Coulthard, he expects that due to the adjustments made to the regulations, more traditional racing skills will be in demand again, and to make overtakes, drivers will need to rely less on special features of the power unit and more on properly positioning their car on the track and using a classic technique like slipstreaming.

      "I think we may see the number of overtakes on the track decrease, but they will become more significant," David added. "To execute a maneuver, the driver will need to position their car correctly on the track, trying to catch the slipstream. Of course, the boost function will still remain, but in previous years, its role was played by the DRS system. Overall, I am feeling optimistic."