Best Tracks by Overtaking
Overtaking potential separates processional races from genuine competition. The frequency of position changes depends on circuit-specific factors: straight length before heavy braking zones, corner exit characteristics that create slipstream opportunities, track width in braking and acceleration phases, and DRS zone placement relative to overtaking opportunities. Some venues naturally facilitate passing through layout geometry, while others require perfect execution and significant pace advantage to complete a move.
This metric counts all position changes throughout the race distance, capturing both DRS-assisted passes on straights and committed lunges into low-speed corners. Circuits ranking highly demonstrate layouts where drivers can attack, defend, and execute alternative racing lines. The data reflects whether track design encourages racing or whether aerodynamic sensitivity and limited overtaking zones create follow-the-leader processions where grid position determines finishing order.
Top circuit
Shanghai
81.0 · avg overtakes
All-circuit average
48.4
Avg overtakes
Races analyzed
80
across 24 circuits
Average overtakes per race by circuit
Avg overtakes-
1
Shanghai
81.0
3R
-
2
Mexico City
68.0
3R
-
3
Yas Island
64.0
3R
-
4
Zandvoort
64.0
3R
-
5
Miami
59.2
4R
-
6
Montréal
58.5
4R
-
7
Lusail
57.3
3R
-
8
Marina Bay
55.0
3R
-
9
Melbourne
55.0
4R
-
10
Austin
51.0
3R
-
11
Spielberg
49.5
4R
-
12
Barcelona
49.0
4R
-
13
Las Vegas
49.0
3R
-
14
Silverstone
45.2
4R
-
15
Monza
45.0
3R
-
16
Imola
43.0
2R
-
17
Interlagos
43.0
3R
-
18
Jeddah
39.7
3R
-
19
Suzuka
35.2
4R
-
20
Baku
35.0
3R
-
21
Spa-Francorchamps
34.5
4R
-
22
Sakhir
31.3
3R
-
23
Budapest
29.3
3R
-
24
Monaco
20.0
4R
Grands Prix from 2023 to 2026, sprints excluded. The “R” count shows how many races at that circuit are in the sample. Seasons prior to 2023 are not included in this dataset.