Vettel and Alonso fight for the Overtake Award: who overtakes more?
Author: @soymotor
The United States was the continuation of the tight battle between Sebastian Vettel and Fernando Alonso for the Overtake Award, the new award that will receive the driver on the grid who has completed the most overtakes at the end of the season.
This is an accolade that was introduced since the Dutch Grand Prix and Sebastian Vettel is the only driver to have managed to lead the standings for two consecutive races, Turkey and the United States. Fernando Alonso is only two overtakes behind and Carlos Sainz is also a candidate to do so.
Precisely, Vettel and Alonso were two of the drivers who had to start from the back at the United States GP due to an engine change. Sebastian had six overtakes in Austin and finished 10th and Fernando started 19th and despite approaching the points zone, he had to retire due to a broken rear wing.
This is how the general classification of overtakes goes after the Texas event.
1. Sebastian Vettel: 102 overtakes
2. Fernando Alonso: 100 overtakes
3. Carlos Sainz: 95 overtakes
Here you can see how the contest has evolved since Zandvoort.
The fact that the drivers who are higher in the classification are not in the fight for the title makes this award a motivation for their fans, who want their idol to achieve it at the end of the year. However, Vettel clarifies that this would be a victory that would not have much meaning for him.
"It's fun whether you count overtakes or not. Ideally, you shouldn't beat anyone all year long and win every race. Of course it's fun to overtake and it's not always easy. If you are successful, it's a good feeling." Vettel highlighted in statements to the German newspaper Bild.
The winner will be decided in these last five races. If Fernando wants to get this award, he will have to overcome the 102 overtakes of the four-time champion. In a few weeks we will know if getting this award is or is part of the Asturian's 'The Plan'.
