Sergio Perez labels modern F1 overtaking 'very fake' amid 2026 rule concerns

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez has criticized the state of overtaking in modern Formula 1, calling it "very fake" due to its heavy reliance on energy management and push-to-pass buttons rather than pure braking and racecraft. His comments echo a growing sentiment among drivers that passing has become too artificial, sparked by Formula 1's own social media boast of a sharp rise in overtakes at the Australian Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Perez's blunt assessment strikes at the heart of a core tension in modern F1: the balance between technological spectacle and sporting purity. As the sport heads towards its next major regulatory shift in 2026, which will place even greater emphasis on electrical energy, this debate questions whether the essence of wheel-to-wheel racing—driver skill in braking zones and strategic positioning—is being diluted by pre-programmed energy deployment. If the drivers themselves feel the competition is becoming artificial, it risks undermining the sport's credibility with its most dedicated audience.

The details:

• The controversy was ignited when F1's official social media highlighted that overtakes in Melbourne had risen from 45 to 120 year-over-year, a statistic that backfired by leading many to question the quality of those passes.
• Perez elaborated on his "fake" comment, stating, "It’s all just on a button. You overtake, and then you get overtaken." This points to the current DRS and Energy Recovery System (ERS) deployment cycles, where a driver can easily pass with a power advantage only to be re-passed moments later when their opponent's battery recharges.
• He acknowledged there is no simple fix, noting the FIA's limited options this early in the regulation cycle and the difficulty in achieving consensus among teams, some of which benefit from the current system.
• Perez concluded, "What we currently have is not good for anyone," suggesting widespread, if private, dissatisfaction in the paddock.

What's next:

The FIA has stated it will evaluate the racing product after the Chinese Grand Prix, but Perez is skeptical of significant short-term changes. The focus now shifts to the 2026 regulations, where the balance between internal combustion and electrical power will be redefined. Perez's comments add pressure on the rule-makers to craft a formula where overtaking is a product of sustained performance and driver skill, not just momentary energy advantages. On a personal note, Perez expressed hope that his new team, which possesses significant experience and resources despite its newcomer status, can begin scoring points by the summer break, a goal he admits is a "big task" given their current performance gap.