2023 - Race 1 Bahrain

[F1nKS]

Unfortunately, you are comparing 2021 times with 2023 times, of course, you would see massive improvements.

Nope, I am comparing gap times between drivers. Which is what the rules were meant to do which is narrow the gap. In Q1 all the announcers were remarking how from the top to bottom that gap was almost second.

Besides, it is race times that really matter here.

The observations from people in f1, the drivers and all the media pundits that "following" is much easier and there was some great battles last year during the races that would not have occured prior to the rule changes. We also saw it today with Alonso. His tire pre-rule change would have been eaten up, but he was able to fight with Hamilton and Sainz, lap after lap. Pre-rule change you had one lap to get past, or you tires would be ruined.

2021 Bahrain - 75 overtakes
2022 Bahrain - 131 overtakes

And Verstappen would rocket off from the lines leaving the Ferraris to battle with Alonso in the Aston.

Has nothing to do with the rules. RBR nailed their design, and Max is just a special driver. Mercedes continues double down on failed design. Aston Martin and Alonso are closing the gap.