In Formula One, some tracks are better for overtaking than others.

Some circuits make for exciting, close racing.

But on other tracks, it's so hard to pass that where you start the race is often where you finish.

Here's a breakdown of the tracks where overtaking is consistently tough and why.

Hardest F1 Tracks to Overtake (Quick Ranking)

1. Monaco Grand Prix - The Hardest of Them All

Monaco Grand Prix

Everyone agrees that Monaco is the track in Formula 1 where passing other cars is hardest.

Why Overtaking Is Nearly Impossible

Today's F1 cars are so long and wide and rely so much on aerodynamics that racing side-by-side on the streets of Monaco is almost impossible.

Key takeaway:
In Monaco, what happens during Saturday's qualifying often determines the outcome of Sunday's race.

2. Hungaroring - “Monaco Without the Walls”

Hungaroring

Even though the Hungaroring is a permanent track, it's known for races where not much happens in terms of changing positions.

Why Passing Is Difficult

• This track has a bunch of medium-speed turns one after another.

• There's only one good spot to pass other cars.

• Following another car closely is tough because of the dirty air.

At the Hungaroring, it's better to be smart and patient than to try risky passes.

3. Singapore Marina Bay Street Circuit

Marina Bay Street Circuit

Singapore's race track is tough since it's a street circuit, and it's really hard on the drivers physically.

Why Overtakes Are Rare

• Tight Tracks: Tricky layouts.

• Quick Bursts: Short zones to speed up.

• Downforce: Cars use setups with lots of downforce.

• Tire Issues: Following cars struggle with tires overheating.

Even with several DRS areas, you usually only see clean passes if someone messes up.

4. Imola - Narrow, Fast, and Old-School

Imola Circuit

Imola's a track drivers tend to love, but it's not the best for racers who want to pass.

What Limits Passing

• Tight track

• Fast turns

• Few hard braking spots

At Imola, most changes in position happen because of:

• Pit strategy

• Safety cars

• Tyre offset

It's not from racing someone head-to-head..

5. Suzuka - Great Circuit, Tough Racing

Suzuka Circuit

Suzuka is still one of F1's greatest tracks, but today's cars have changed how races play out there.

Why Overtaking Is Hard Today

• Fast esses make for messy air.

• There's only one place to really brake hard: Turn 11.

• The track has one main path to follow if you want to win.

At Suzuka, getting a good spot in qualifying and nailing the corners is proving more crucial than aggressive racing.

Why Some F1 Tracks Are Hard to Overtake

Figuring out why something is hard usually boils down to these four things:

1. Car Size

Today's F1 cars are bigger than they used to be, which means they don't fit as well on some of the older tracks.

2. Dirty Air

Staying close behind another car cuts down on downforce, mostly on tracks with lots of turns.

3. Track Design

A lot of circuits were created a long time ago, even before we knew much about how air moves around things.

4. Braking Zones

Without places to slow down a lot, passing other cars doesn't happen much.

Does DRS Fix These Tracks?

It depends.

DRS might not be all that useful on tracks that are super tight and twisty because of how the track is designed.