They still haven't fixed the task switch button from the three button layout becoming non-functional after four years: https://issuetracker.google.com/issues/204650736
It's a byproduct of the home and task switch button now being managed by the Pixel Launcher regardless of which launcher you use. The animation delay makes it so the button becomes inactive and won't be made active again until the Pixel Launcher is killed or the phone restarted.
From my perspective, Google is losing interest in maintaining Android at all.
It's been a constant thorn in my side on my Pixel 4 XL, my Pixel 6 Pro, and now my Pixel 8 Pro.
I confirmed with a friend that it still occurs on her Pixel 9 Pro XL.