F1 world champion Max Verstappen says he had his worst experience in F1 this year, racing on the street circuit in F1’s new generation of ground effects cars.
Major changes to F1’s technical regulations for 2022 have introduced a new generation of F1 cars designed around the ground effects philosophy. Most of the car’s downforce is generated by the car’s floor and underbody rather than the front and rear wings.
Red Bull Racing designed a best-in-class package, but it looked like a relatively tame machine compared to its rivals, especially Mercedes, which struggled with porpashing/bouncing.
But Max Verstappen said outside perceptions were deceptive, with the Red Bull RB18 suffering from a rough and sometimes unpredictable ride on F1’s uncompromising street circuit.
“Especially in Monaco qualifying was very tricky when you were close to the limit. It was really difficult to get the laps right,” Verstappen told Viaplay.
“I personally prefer the high speed corners. Spa should be 100% off the calendar because as a driver you can make a big difference.”
“It’s the worst experience I’ve ever had driving a street circuit with the new car, because it’s too heavy and too stiff.”
“I drove in Singapore. I love Singapore and it’s a really nice track. But I was really disappointed with how the car behaved compared to 2015 and 2016 when it was a bit more agile and could handle the curbs.”
“The cars today are not very stiff and as soon as you touch the curb you go almost to the other side of the track.”
The growing popularity of F1 has led to an expansion of the sport’s calendar. For example, in the United States, two additional events have been added: Miami and Las Vegas.
The F1 driver made his first race in Miami last spring. Comments were mixed, but all will now meet in Sin City next November.
Max Verstappen said of America’s future flashy event, “I would prefer to go to Vegas in a different situation”, saying there is nothing like the experience of racing full speed on an “old school” track.
“There are more and more street circuits that you can’t enjoy in a Formula 1 car. The cars are not designed to be on street tracks,” Verstappen said.
“F1 cars liven up the right high-speed corners.”
“I understand there are a few street circuits a year, but not too many.”
“I wish we had an old school track like Suzuka. A qualifying lap there is so much more fun than a random street circuit.”
Category: F1 / Max Verstappen / red bull