In the exhilarating world of single-seater motorsport, the art of overtaking stands as a testament to a driver’s raw skill, bravery, and strategic prowess. Over the past decade, rule adjustments and driver-activated aids, notably Formula 1’s Drag Reduction System (DRS), have undeniably increased the sheer volume of passing opportunities. While this has led to more on-track action, a growing sentiment among fans suggests that many of these overtakes are more a product of pressing a button than a display of genuine driving mastery. This perception, however, belies a vibrant truth: the true art of making a pass, one born of exceptional talent and daring, is very much alive and thriving across all levels of global motorsport. From the pinnacle of Formula 1 to the intense battles in junior categories and the tactical intricacies of IndyCar and Formula E, 2022 delivered a spectacular array of overtakes that were unequivocally down to pure skill. These moments captivated audiences, reminded us why we love racing, and demonstrated that even in an era of technological aids, the human element of precision, courage, and intuition remains the ultimate differentiator.
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Formula 1, with its controversial DRS, has seen its share of criticisms regarding “easy” passes. Yet, even within the premier series, and certainly across the diverse landscape of single-seater championships, the past season showcased numerous instances where drivers defied expectations, executed audacious maneuvers, and proved that the ability to outwit and out-drive an opponent remains a cherished aspect of the sport. These are the passes that live long in the memory, celebrated not for the activation of an aid, but for the sheer brilliance of their execution.
Unforgettable Masterclasses: The Year’s Most Skillful Overtakes
Epps Storms from 19th to First in Five Corners (Walter Hayes Trophy)
In one of the most astonishing drives of the season, former British Touring Car Championship racer Mike Epps delivered a performance for the ages at the Walter Hayes Trophy. Competing in the Progression Race for Formula Ford 1600 cars at Silverstone, Epps started a daunting 23rd on the grid. He didn’t just win; he dominated, crossing the line with a remarkable 9.383-second advantage. What truly set this apart was the speed of his ascent. After quickly dispatching six cars by the first corner and another six before a red flag stoppage, Epps restarted 19th on a treacherous wet track. In a breathtaking display of car control and tactical brilliance, he overtook ten cars between Copse and Maggotts. Then, utilizing the inside line on the Wellington Straight, he carved past six more, transforming a third-place position into a commanding lead through Brooklands and Luffield. This extraordinary feat was made even more impressive by the fact that Epps had never driven a FF1600 car before that very weekend, showcasing pure adaptability and raw talent.
Gray’s Towering Pass at Croft (British F4)
Third to first, around the outside of Tower? 👀
No problem, says @OllieGray63 🚀#BritishF4 | #ROKiT pic.twitter.com/kihKczc9eb
— ROKiT British F4 (@BritishF4) November 21, 2022
The British Formula 4 championship, known for its spec cars and lack of overtaking aids (much like FIA F3), demands true driving acumen for any significant pass. Williams junior Ollie Gray, sporting the #63, delivered one such moment of brilliance at Croft. He masterfully executed a third-to-first move, demonstrating exceptional race craft. Approaching the iconic Tower corner, Gray patiently positioned himself, then seized a split-second opportunity to sweep around the outside of two fiercely battling drivers. This audacious move required precise judgment of speed, grip, and the racing lines of his competitors, solidifying his position as a rising star without the reliance on any mechanical advantage. It was a classic example of threading the needle and emerging victorious through sheer driving skill.
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Oliver Goethe Goes for it in the Pau Grand Prix (Euroformula Open)
The Pau Grand Prix is arguably the most prestigious and challenging race in junior single-seater motorsport, set on the unforgiving, narrow, and undulating streets of the French city. After a hiatus since 2019, the circuit presented new challenges in 2022 with several sections having been resurfaced. Euroformula dominator Oliver Goethe arrived seemingly destined for victory, topping both practice sessions, qualifying, and Saturday’s sprint race. However, a slow start and a terrifying near-miss with the barriers at the first braking zone on Sunday relegated him to fifth. His charge back through the field was marked by incredible displays of skill, none more spectacular than his audacious dummy move on Filip Ugran into the incredibly tight Virage du Buisson hairpin. This pass exemplified Goethe’s superb car control and strategic thinking, navigating one of motorsport’s most demanding urban circuits with precision and flair.
Ollie Bearman Takes Two in Two at Zandvoort (FIA F3)
Even with 30 identical spec cars and the presence of DRS, overtaking in FIA Formula 3 can often be a hard-fought battle, making genuinely brilliant moves stand out. Ferrari junior Ollie Bearman delivered one such sequence at Zandvoort, which was deservedly nominated for the FIA Action of the Year. Following a Safety Car period that bunched up the field in the feature race, Bearman, in car #6, saw an opportunity where others saw only a tight line. With exceptional bravery and commitment, he made a daring pass around the outside of Alexander Smolyar (#11) at the high-speed Scheivlak corner. Without missing a beat, he then squeezed down the inside of Gregoire Saucy (#8) at the very next braking zone. This double overtake was a masterclass in aggressive yet controlled driving, showcasing incredible confidence and an intuitive understanding of race momentum and positioning.
Iwasa Makes a Strong First Impression on Debut (F2)
🤯 THE AYUMU IWASA OVERTAKING SPECIAL 🤯
You are watching a ✨ master ✨ at work #BahrainGP #F2 @ayumuiwasa_cars pic.twitter.com/jJmMf2eBtH
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) March 20, 2022
Ayumu Iwasa wasted no time in making his mark on the highly competitive Formula 2 championship. During his debut weekend in Bahrain, many of his outstanding overtakes weren’t fully captured by the broadcast, but those that were provided a clear glimpse into the immense potential of the Red Bull junior driver. He charged from 22nd to eighth place in his very first race, then climbed to 16th in Sunday’s feature race. Iwasa’s aggressive yet controlled style immediately made an impact. Later in the year, he would go on to claim pole positions and race wins, but his initial flurry of overtakes, including his famously entertaining startline maneuvers, demonstrated a natural instinct for finding gaps and exploiting them with fearless precision. His debut was a clear signal of a formidable talent ready to challenge the established order.
Daruvala’s Jeddah Triple (F2)
Storming move from @DaruvalaJehan on his way to P3 📈#SaudiArabianGP #F2 pic.twitter.com/BJOpYPEnTv
— Formula 2 (@Formula2) March 27, 2022
The Jeddah Corniche Circuit is renowned for its high-speed nature and unforgiving walls, making even single overtakes a high-risk endeavor. In the F2 feature race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Red Bull junior Jehan Daruvala pulled off an almost unbelievable feat: he overtook three cars in a single move at Turn 1. This corner is notoriously challenging, even for seasoned F1 drivers, who often struggle to maintain cleanliness and stay on track when battling. Daruvala’s precision and bravery to thread his car through such a tight space, dispatching three rivals simultaneously, was breathtaking. This ‘three-in-one’ maneuver was not just a highlight; it was a cornerstone of his race, as he went on to gain an additional eight places and secure a well-deserved podium finish. It was a testament to his exceptional race craft and courage on one of motorsport’s most intimidating tracks.
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Evans on a Charge in Rome (Formula E)
After a challenging start to the 2021-22 Formula E season, where he scored just one point from the opening three races, Jaguar’s Mitch Evans rediscovered his championship-contending form in spectacular fashion at the Rome E-Prix. He not only won both races but did so from ninth and fourth on the grid, respectively, demonstrating incredible recovery drives. In the second Rome race, Evans initially surged into the lead but was later shuffled back to fourth. His subsequent climb back to the front was a masterclass in calculated aggression and energy management. The pivotal moment came when he deftly squeezed past Jean-Eric Vergne, strategically utilized the slipstream to pass Robin Frijns, and then reclaimed the lead from Andre Lotterer at the challenging uphill, off-camber Turn 6 corner. While perhaps not visually as dramatic as some, this sequence of passes was profoundly skillful, showcasing Evans’ deep understanding of the unique demands of Formula E street circuit racing and his ability to execute under pressure.
Newgarden’s Last-Gasp Winner at Texas (IndyCar)
If you want a lesson in leaving it to the absolute last second to secure a race victory, look no further than Josef Newgarden’s incredible finish at the Texas Motor Speedway IndyCar oval. After spending a staggering 96 laps under green flag conditions trailing his Penske teammate Scott McLaughlin, with only two laps briefly ahead earlier in the race, Newgarden timed his move with impeccable precision. As the final lap unfolded, he masterfully utilized the slipstream from both McLaughlin and two strategically positioned lapped cars ahead at Turn 4. He drew alongside McLaughlin as they navigated the final corner, where McLaughlin lost crucial momentum by opting for a tighter line. Newgarden, however, kept his throttle wide open, surging past his friend and rival to snatch victory by an infinitesimal 0.0669 seconds at the chequered flag. This was a breathtaking display of patience, tactical brilliance, and sheer determination on an oval circuit where every millisecond counts.
O’Ward’s Alabama Slammer (IndyCar)
Sometimes, a race-winning move isn’t for the lead at the very end, but a pivotal moment earlier in the race that sets up the eventual victory. Such was the case for McLaren SP’s Patricio O’Ward at the Indy Grand Prix of Alabama. Approximately two-thirds into the race, O’Ward executed a truly monumental lunge on Rinus VeeKay, a move that was technically for 12th place but proved to be strategically crucial. As they approached Turn 5, O’Ward, from over a car length behind at the 300-meter board, momentarily lifted off the throttle before diving deep. By the time they reached the corner, he had nosed ahead. But the pass wasn’t complete; he had to bravely hold the momentum on the outside line to fully clear VeeKay. This aggressive, high-commitment maneuver allowed O’Ward to gain track position that, coupled with subsequent pit stops, saw him filter back to the front of the field. Ultimately, this ‘Alabama Slammer’ laid the foundation for his eventual victory, demonstrating that audacious moves in the midfield can often be the most impactful.
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Vettel and Tsunoda Battle in Baku (F1)
(Watch on YouTube)
Sebastian Vettel’s overtake on Yuki Tsunoda in Baku may not have been the fastest pass of the season, but it was undeniably one of the bravest. The Baku City Circuit is notorious for its incredibly tight sections and unforgiving walls, particularly in its castle sector. To go side-by-side with another competitor through these confined spaces requires immense courage and precision. The Aston Martin driver initiated his move from a considerable distance behind, setting up an attack on AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda at Turn 3. Choosing the outside line, where there was barely enough room for two cars, Vettel committed fully. Both drivers showed exceptional race craft to keep their cars clean through the challenging sequence. Tsunoda, recognizing Vettel’s undeniable commitment and superior positioning, wisely conceded the position by Turn 4. This move highlighted Vettel’s experience and unwavering resolve, proving that even in a modern F1 car, old-school bravery can still make a significant difference.
Vettel Pinches Eighth in Austin (F1)
We have a winner! 👑
Your https://t.co/8PdPZljD4j Overtake King for 2022 is… Sebastian Vettel 💪
Thank you to everyone who voted this year 👍@cryptocom #FFTB pic.twitter.com/tSKYioHh3x
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 8, 2022
Sebastian Vettel, in his swansong season, continued to deliver moments of pure racing brilliance, none more compelling than his last-lap battle with Kevin Magnussen for eighth place at the United States Grand Prix. This fierce contest captivated RaceFans readers, who voted Vettel their driver of the weekend. The final lap saw the pair engaged in a wheel-to-wheel squabble through multiple corners, a gripping display of aggressive yet fair racing. Vettel ultimately made the decisive pass stick and, with Magnussen launching a desperate final corner attempt, successfully fended him off to hold onto eighth place across the finish line. This hard-fought overtake, achieved without DRS and under immense pressure on the very last lap, was a poignant reminder of Vettel’s enduring skill and fighting spirit, cementing his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Leclerc Clears Hamilton at Copse (F1)
Hamilton and Leclerc battling for position around Copse corner#BritishGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/J1DOuQa4gB
— Formula 1 (@F1) July 3, 2022
A year after his contentious clash with Max Verstappen at Copse corner, Lewis Hamilton found himself in another heart-stopping battle at the very same iconic turn during the British Grand Prix. This time, his adversary was Charles Leclerc, who executed a truly breathtaking maneuver to sweep around the outside of Hamilton into what is arguably the fastest and most demanding corner on the Silverstone circuit. What made this pass particularly extraordinary was that Leclerc achieved it despite being on older, slower tires, demanding an even greater degree of commitment and car control. While Hamilton would later manage to re-pass Leclerc and maintain his position, the initial move by the Ferrari driver was a masterclass in high-commitment cornering, showcasing audacious bravery and exquisite car placement. It was a testament to both drivers’ skill and a memorable moment in F1 history, proving that even with modern aero, pure driving talent at a critical corner can still create magic.
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As the 2022 motorsport season drew to a close, the collection of overtakes highlighted here serves as a powerful rebuttal to the notion that the art of passing is diminishing. Despite the prevalence of technological aids like DRS in some series, these examples from Formula 1, F2, F3, British F4, Euroformula Open, Walter Hayes Trophy, Formula E, and IndyCar unequivocally demonstrate that skill, bravery, and strategic insight remain at the core of breathtaking on-track battles. Each maneuver, from Mike Epps’ meteoric rise at Silverstone to Josef Newgarden’s last-gasp oval heist, and Charles Leclerc’s audacious pass at Copse, represents the pinnacle of driving talent. They remind us that the most memorable moments in racing are not those achieved with the press of a button, but through the daring decisions and flawless execution of drivers pushing themselves and their machines to the absolute limit. The art of overtaking is not only alive but continues to evolve, promising fans many more years of thrilling, skillful wheel-to-wheel action.
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