In the previous article, we saw how fast an F1 car is as compared to a road car. So, we now know that Formula 1 cars are jets on wheels. But how does the comparison hold when we talk about Formula 1 car against a Formula 1 car? True, there would be slower ones on the track which a lead car can overtake without much of an issue, but what about equally matched cars?
Formula 1 is replete with exciting and heart-stopping overtakes but there are a few which stand out; primarily, that the cars were driven by some of the world-beating drivers.
So, let’s take a look.
Now, when we match a Formula 1 car with another equally competent vehicle on the track, it boils down to the driver; After all, we admit that the cars are almost equal.
This was a classic overtakes of all time. The Ferrari of Michael Schumacher was up on speed in 2000 after all the excellent work that the team put in development since 1996. McLaren was still fast, and both cars were equally matched. However, if I remember it correctly, it had rained, and Michael was on intermediates while Mika had pitted and was on slick tires. As such, Michael had to keep the tires cool and yet push like crazy.
Take a look at what happens from Mika’s onboard camera:
And here’s another one from the external cam:
How was that? An overtake when you come up to a backmarker. That was just brilliant, and it makes it even more interesting as the person being passed was Micheal Schumacher. As the legendary Murray would always say, “catching up with Schumacher is one thing but overtaking him is completely another thing.” Which only goes to show how difficult it is to overtake Schumacher. 😉
Besides, years later, after Mika’s retirement, he was asked about this pass and he mentioned that the backmarker, I presume Zonta, would have had to change his pants after the race. 😊 😊
That was a hilarious comment. Even today, this overtake is considered to be one of the best. Of course, that year, Schumacher went on to win the driver’s championship after four years. That was his third championship out of the total seven he would eventually win.
Talking about overtakes and not mentioning Ayrton Senna’s pass to come first within the first lap would be criminal.
So, here it is. Take a look:
Within 40 seconds Senna goes to first place from fifth and that too in the opening lap itself. Mind you, this was 1993 where the Williams with an automatic suspension was the fastest car on the track. They say rain is a great leveller in Formula 1, and when it rained, the ultimate best came first. No prizes for guessing who was the ultimate best. 😊
This overtake, to be honest, is not one where we have matched cars. I mean, Senna was in a way slower car than Piquet’s. What is great about this overtake though is, how Senna challenges the move all through forcing Piquet to slide into an overtake. The net result is similar to watching a Hollywood movie.
Take a look here:
Interesting, isn’t it? Piquet is driving a technologically stronger Williams which eventually wins the constructor’s championship in 1986. So, Senna basically gave a stronger car a run for its money.
Watching an F1 car and the sound of the V8, V10 or V12 is an absolute pleasure, but when these extremely competitive cars go against each other, they take the entertainment value to the next level!
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