Max Verstappen says the new-generation F1 car is more “controllable” when following its predecessor and no longer suffers from sudden understeer oversteer.
The main purpose of F1’s new regulation was to allow drivers to follow each other more closely in the corners, enabling wheel-to-wheel action. Therefore, the new generation F1 car has changed its aerodynamic concept to a ground effect car in order to minimize the amount of dirty air swirling in the wake of the car.
This weekend’s opening round, the Bahrain Grand Prix, will be the first full-scale test of a new-generation F1 car, but Max Verstappen initially ran in the wake of the predecessor in the pre-season test. He says he believes he has achieved his goals.
“I think it’s getting better,” said Max Verstappen.
“At least it’s better than last year. When I got behind someone, I suddenly got understeer or oversteer. I mightn’t control it.”
“Now, when I’m behind the car, I know the downforce is lost, but it happens at the front and rear, which makes it more predictable and controllable for the driver.”
Coupled with the increase in total weight of new cars and the introduction of 18-inch wheels, F1’s radical new approach to aerodynamics has required drivers to adapt their driving style.
But Max Verstappen doesn’t find it harder to learn a new-generation F1 car than its predecessor. Still, he thinks the fun of steering can depend on the circuit.
“Of course, it depends on the balance of the car,” said Max Verstappen.
“Last year, if there was a lot of understeer and oversteer, it was difficult to drive even with that car.”
“It’s difficult to drive to the limit, so I think it’s regarding the same.”
“These cars are so heavy that they’re pretty slow in slow corners. On a truck with lots of slow corners, driving wouldn’t be that fun.”
“But if you go to a circuit with lots of fast corners, it’s a really fun car to drive.”
Category: Category: F1 / Max Verstappen / Red bull
