The exhilarating world of motorsport continually delivers moments of breathtaking skill and audacious bravery, none more thrilling than a perfectly executed overtake. While the dynamics of racing, particularly in Formula 1 and its feeder series (Formula 2, Formula 3), have evolved with aerodynamic regulations and aids like DRS, the pure art of wheel-to-wheel combat remains a cornerstone of the spectacle. In 2023, despite discussions around the ease or difficulty of passing, a wealth of genuinely spectacular overtakes captivated fans across various championships. These weren’t merely opportunistic uses of DRS or straightforward slipstream passes; they were calculated risks, demonstrations of exceptional car control, and testament to the relentless competitive spirit of the drivers.
Following a significant overhaul of F1’s aerodynamic regulations in 2022, intended to foster closer racing and more overtaking, the 2023 season presented a mixed picture. Many drivers noted that while following closely might have improved, the actual act of passing had arguably become more challenging. This sentiment was amplified by the FIA’s decision to marginally reduce the length of DRS zones at several circuits, a move met with some resistance from the paddock. Consequently, many overtakes in F1, F2, and F3 often boiled down to a driver getting within the DRS activation window, deploying the system, and breezing past their rival with a significant speed advantage. This method, while effective, sometimes detracts from the raw, unassisted skill that truly defines a ‘great’ overtake.
However, the beauty of motorsport lies in its diversity and the unpredictable nature of competition. Beyond the DRS-reliant zones, and certainly in championships that don’t employ such systems, 2023 offered an abundance of ‘proper’ wheel-to-wheel racing. From the relentless door-to-door action on street circuits to the treacherous ballet performed in pouring rain, these moments showcased drivers pushing the limits of their machines and their own abilities. This article celebrates ten of the most outstanding overtaking maneuvers witnessed throughout the 2023 season, ranging from the open-wheel spectacle of IndyCar and Formula E to the endurance battles of the World Endurance Championship, and the proving grounds of F2, F3, and FREC. Each pass tells a unique story of strategy, courage, and precision, reminding us why we love motorsport. Enjoy these highlights and share your own unforgettable moments in the comments below.
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IndyCar: Grosjean and McLaughlin Battle at Barber
The IndyCar series consistently delivers some of the most intense and respectful wheel-to-wheel racing, and the duel between Romain Grosjean and Scott McLaughlin at Barber Motorsports Park was a prime example. While their on-track encounters sometimes veered towards the edge of comfort, their battle at Barber was a masterclass in aggressive, yet clean, driving. This particular move, occurring while the pair were running in fourth and fifth, carried the weight of a de facto victory battle, as the cars ahead still needed to make their final pit stops, meaning the effective lead was being contested.
Grosjean demonstrated remarkable persistence, sticking right behind McLaughlin through the challenging, fast Turn 9/10 chicane, and maintaining that pressure through the subsequent three corners. His intention was clear: to force a mistake from his rival. However, at Turn 14, Grosjean subtly changed his approach. He backed out momentarily and drifted wide, a move that allowed him to carry greater speed on the outside as the corner tightened into Turn 14a. This ingenious line enabled him to pull alongside McLaughlin, surprising his competitor. McLaughlin, to his credit, gave Grosjean just enough room to maintain his line, which would become the crucial inside for Turn 15. The move was executed flawlessly, a testament to both drivers’ precision. Unfortunately for Grosjean, despite this brilliant pass, a subsequent error prevented him from converting this incredible performance into what could have been his maiden IndyCar victory.
IndyCar: Rossi Reverses Rosenqvist’s Podium Pass
Another classic instance of multiple on-track battles unfolding between competitors over a single race, this time featuring McLaren SP teammates Felix Rosenqvist and Alexander Rossi at the Detroit Grand Prix. Teammate rivalries always add an extra layer of tension and spectacle, especially when a podium finish is on the line with just four laps remaining.
Rosenqvist initiated the thrilling exchange with a superb darting move on Rossi, snatching third place as they entered Turn 1. The action didn’t stop there. As they powered up the hill towards Turn 2, both drivers momentarily lost traction, their rear wheels spinning wildly, causing their cars to swing out precariously close to contact. It was a heart-stopping moment of raw car control. Rossi, with incredible presence of mind and lightning-fast reflexes, managed to get on the inside of Rosenqvist as they crested the hill. He then expertly wrestled his car past his teammate’s, completing the re-pass as they entered Turn 2. This immediate reversal showcased Rossi’s aggressive yet controlled driving style, demonstrating that even when seemingly beaten, a true racer will fight tooth and nail for every inch of track.
While Rossi won this specific exchange, the battle wasn’t over. Rosenqvist ultimately reclaimed the position with a more robust and decisive move on the very final lap, highlighting the relentless nature of their Detroit duel.
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Formula 1: Magnussen Makes His Move in Monaco
Formula 1, particularly on street circuits, provides some of the most challenging environments for overtaking. While DRS sometimes facilitated passes even outside the designated zones, there are certain venues where its impact is minimal, and pure driver skill shines brightest. We witnessed several superb moves on street tracks in 2023, including some inspired efforts by Esteban Ocon in Singapore. However, Kevin Magnussen’s audacious pass in Monaco stands out, deserving special recognition. A clean, decisive overtake in the dry conditions of Monaco is an incredibly rare and cherished sight, given the circuit’s narrow confines and unforgiving walls.
The Haas driver pulled off a truly spectacular move to pass Logan Sargeant at Mirabeau. Sargeant had attempted to defend his position by covering the inside line when navigating the brief, bumpy run to the corner. But as he returned to the conventional racing line, Magnussen seized the slimmest of opportunities. With a burst of confidence and precision, he aggressively threw his car down the inside. The onboard view of the move is particularly illuminating; for a fleeting moment, it appears Magnussen might not make the corner, risking a collision or running wide. Yet, with a brief, controlled lock-up, his car turned in perfectly, demonstrating an exquisite understanding of his car’s limits and the available grip. This pass was not only clean but also a powerful statement, proving that even on the legendary, notoriously difficult streets of Monaco, a true overtaking maneuver is – just – possible with enough bravery and skill.
WEC: Estre Outwits His Ferrari Rival in Sebring
The 1000 Miles of Sebring, a grueling endurance race, played host to a captivating battle that highlighted the nuanced differences in Hypercar characteristics and driver strategy. This particular duel involved a Ferrari with a ‘nervous’ front end and a Porsche, driven by Kevin Estre, characterized by an ‘unstable’ rear. The prospect of a collision loomed large, making any overtaking attempt a high-stakes endeavor requiring both patience and surgical precision.
Estre, at the wheel of his Porsche 963, demonstrated remarkable patience and relentless pressure. He shadowed the Ferrari, maintaining an incredibly close proximity through several challenging corners, meticulously observing his rival’s lines and car behavior. He resisted the temptation to go side-by-side prematurely, knowing the risks involved with the differing car characteristics. His moment came at Gendebien Bend, where the Ferrari ran slightly wide, offering a sliver of an opening. Estre immediately capitalized, pulling alongside. The two powerful machines remained side-by-side, locked in a high-speed ballet, through the ensuing sections of the track. The decisive moment arrived at Le Mans Curve, where Estre executed a perfectly timed and highly courageous late-braking maneuver. This decisive action allowed him to pull ahead cleanly, completing a masterclass in strategic and brave overtaking. It was a move born not just of speed, but of deep understanding of his own car and that of his rival, combined with unyielding nerve.
WEC: Calado Pleases the Tifosi with Monza Move
Monza, the “Temple of Speed,” is legendary for its slipstreaming battles and daring braking zones, and James Calado’s overtake in the Six Hours of Monza delivered precisely the kind of drama the passionate Tifosi crave. In the second half of the endurance race, Calado, driving the Ferrari Hypercar, set his sights on Porsche’s Dane Cameron for sixth position, a move that ignited the roar of the Italian crowd.
The build-up to the pass was a classic Monza scenario. Calado expertly homed in on his rival through the long, sweeping Curva Grande, exploiting the slipstream to gain momentum. As they exited the corner, he pulled out of Cameron’s tow, positioning himself for an attack. Approaching the iconic della Roggia chicane, Calado committed to the outside line. What made this pass particularly impressive was the synchronicity of their braking. Both drivers braked early, a strategy that, paradoxically, allowed them to carry more speed as they entered the first part of the chicane side-by-side. This maintained their parallel trajectory through the initial segment of the corner, demanding absolute precision from both. Calado, demonstrating superior car placement and nerve, managed to complete the overtake decisively before the critical change of direction required for the second apex of the chicane. It was a bold, clean, and perfectly executed pass that showcased the thrilling nature of WEC Hypercar racing and the electric atmosphere created by the Tifosi.
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Formula 2: Bearman Gets Bold in the Wet
Silverstone, under the deluge of soaking wet conditions and severely reduced visibility, became the stage for one of the most audacious overtakes in Formula 2 in 2023. Oliver Bearman, a rising star, executed a pass that demonstrated an extraordinary blend of bravery, intuition, and pinpoint car control. Coming from deep in the pack, Bearman found himself chasing Isack Hadjar into the famously fast Stowe corner, a particularly daunting challenge in the wet.
The conditions were truly treacherous. The spray generated by Hadjar’s car, combined with that of Frederik Vesti ahead of him, meant Bearman could barely discern the track ahead as he sped down the Hangar Straight. To momentarily improve his visibility, Bearman intelligently moved to the outside, gaining a clearer (albeit fleeting) view of the track and his immediate surroundings. This tactical repositioning was immediately followed by a breathtaking dive down the inside of Hadjar at Stowe. It’s highly probable that Hadjar, battling his own visibility issues, did not anticipate Bearman’s sudden lunge and thus offered no real defense. However, this in no way diminishes the sheer brilliance of Bearman’s move. It required impressive judgment and supreme car control to place his machine perfectly on the slippery surface, avoid contact, and complete the overtake cleanly in what were arguably the most challenging conditions any driver could face. It was a move that screamed talent and cemented Bearman’s reputation as a formidable wet-weather racer.
Formula E: Da Costa Clinches Cape Town Win in Style
The inaugural Cape Town E-Prix delivered an unforgettable spectacle, and Antonio Felix da Costa played a starring role, pulling off a series of gutsy maneuvers to propel himself into a winning position. His ultimate overtake on Jean-Eric Vergne for the lead was not just a race-winning move, but one that has been widely hailed as one of the best in Formula E history. The context made it even more remarkable: it occurred in a very high-speed section of the track, an unusual place for passing in a series where drivers typically prioritize staying in the slipstream before braking zones. Furthermore, this section saw the track walls progressively narrow on Da Costa’s side as the circuit gently curved right then left, leaving minimal margin for error.
With an unwavering commitment and an exquisite touch, Da Costa launched his attack. Vergne, perhaps recognizing the incredible audacity and commitment, left him just enough room – a mere car’s width – on the inside. Da Costa, in turn, found just enough grip on the unforgiving surface to thread the needle, pulling off the pass without making any contact with the wall or his rival. This phenomenal move, which secured victory for Da Costa and Porsche Formula E at the Cape Town E-Prix, was even nominated for the 2023 FIA Action of the Year Award. You can watch the full moment here on Formula E’s official Twitter account.
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Formula 3: Goethe’s Intelligent Red Bull Ring Pass
While some of the most memorable overtakes decide podiums or wins, an intelligent and perfectly judged pass, even for a mid-field position, can be equally impressive. Oliver Goethe’s maneuver in Formula 3’s wet sprint race at the Red Bull Ring, though only for 14th place, was thankfully captured by the television cameras, showcasing a true display of racing acumen. The conditions were wet and challenging, magnifying the difficulty of multi-car interactions.
Approaching Turn 3, Goethe found himself behind Mari Boya and Oliver Gray. As Gray committed to diving down the inside of Boya, Goethe made a strategic decision, heading to the outside. The crucial part of this multi-car tango unfolded next: Boya and Gray, due to their tighter turn-in, had to brake harder. Impressively, Boya executed a switchback move on Gray, attempting to regain the position. Meanwhile, Goethe, taking the wider arc, carried significantly more speed around the outside. As they exited the corner, all three cars were running three-wide, a testament to the close nature of F3 racing. Goethe, already carrying superior momentum, comfortably got ahead of Gray, but not before expertly navigating along the slippy kerbs and narrowly avoiding contact. Boya continued to challenge, cleverly defending the inside line at Turn 4 to deny Goethe a double overtake. It was a complex, multi-layered pass demonstrating Goethe’s foresight, car control, and ability to capitalize on the chaos of wet-weather racing.
Formula 3: Aron Gains Six Places in One Corner
If Goethe’s pass was intelligent, Paul Aron’s move in the F3 feature race at Spa-Francorchamps was nothing short of audacious and brilliant. In the wet conditions of the legendary Belgian circuit, Aron executed an overtake that saw him surge an incredible six positions in a single corner – a truly rare feat that cemented his place in the highlights reel of 2023. The setting was La Source, the iconic hairpin at the start of the lap, a corner notorious for opening up possibilities for the brave.
As the field charged into La Source, Aron launched an incredible four-wide maneuver, passing three cars simultaneously on entry. But he wasn’t finished. As he exited the corner, his superior traction in the challenging wet conditions allowed him to dispatch both of his Prema teammates. With an astonishing burst of speed and control, he then passed yet another driver, propelling him from an initial 10th position all the way up to fourth. This was not just an overtake; it was a masterclass in exploiting track conditions and car setup, demonstrating exceptional spatial awareness and the ability to find grip where others couldn’t. By the end of that very same lap, Aron, having built on this incredible start, found himself leading the race. It was a race-defining moment, showcasing a raw talent for aggressive, yet controlled, racing.
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FREC: Antonelli’s Final-Lap Title Grab
Andrea Kimi Antonelli, the highly touted Mercedes junior driver, had already secured the individual Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FREC) title before the final race. However, the team’s championship was still very much alive, heading down to the wire in the final round at Hockenheim. R-Ace GP appeared to be on course to snatch the constructors’ title, with their drivers Martinius Stenshorne and Tim Tramnitz leading the Hockenheim finale. But lurking in sixth place, with the formidable Antonelli in hot pursuit, was their teammate Nikhil Bohra. This setup created a high-pressure scenario for the final lap, with the team title hanging in the balance.
As the cars approached the Spitzkehre hairpin, a classic overtaking spot at Hockenheim, Antonelli demonstrated incredible patience and predatory instinct. He waited until the absolute final second, forcing Bohra to commit to his defensive line, before making a sudden, decisive dive to the inside. Bohra, fully aware of the stakes and his team’s championship aspirations, fought back hard, attempting to repel Antonelli’s challenge. However, Antonelli’s tenacity and precision were undeniable. He secured the position with a clean and resolute move, earning crucial points that clinched the team title for Prema. This championship-winning pass showcased the kind of tenacious, high-pressure driving that has marked Antonelli as a prodigious talent, ultimately prompting Mercedes to fast-track his promotion to Formula 2 for the upcoming season. It was a fitting end to a remarkable individual and team season, decided by a moment of pure driving brilliance.
Over to You: Share Your Favorite Overtakes of 2023
The 2023 motorsport season, across various categories, undoubtedly delivered a spectacular array of overtaking maneuvers. From the strategic brilliance in endurance racing to the sheer bravery in open-wheel battles, these ten examples are just a snapshot of the incredible talent and competitive spirit on display. They remind us that while technology and regulations evolve, the fundamental thrill of one driver outsmarting and out-driving another remains timeless.
Which of these passes stood out to you? Did we miss any unforgettable moments from Formula 1, IndyCar, WEC, Formula E, F2, F3, or any other series? We’d love to hear your thoughts and discover your personal favorites from the 2023 season. Share your suggestions and let’s continue the discussion about the best of wheel-to-wheel racing in the comments section below.
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