Max in Barcelona: 'I adjust my driving, so the car goes fastest'
Published on 24 February 2022 by Kees-Jan Koster
World champion Max Verstappen appears in front of the media, after a full day in the RB18, the new Oracle Red Bull Racing car. Looking back on driving the 2022 car, the Dutchman says: “It is always a question what you are going to achieve on the first day. We had a positive day with so many laps. We got to know the car and I have learned how to drive it, as it is quite different than in previous years.”
“It was useful and nice to be driving a Formula 1 car again. Those speeds are always nice. These testing days are really important for the team, to gather as much information as possible and to avoid any surprises at the first Grand Prix. And with such a new car, it is good for me to drive many kilometres.”
What do you think of the new cars, Max? “They look very different. I hope we can follow each other better and hopefully the field is much closer; those are the aims. The car is a bit slower, but we will improve that bit by bit during the year.”
Is it a surprise that you were able to do your programme on Wednesday without any issues? Max says: “Of course that is what we are aiming for. It is great to work together with everyone in Red Bull. I am not surprised, but it is very impressive when everything comes together and then there suddenly is a car. That is very special in Formula 1.”
How is it to drive this new generation car? Max answers: “The cars are a bit stiffer, but that is fine by me. It is enjoyable to drive the car. It is just a bit different, so we are still learning. The only thing I do not like is that the cars get heavier each time, that makes them less agile in the slower corners. The balance in high-speed corners is nice.” How much do you need to adjust your driving? Max: “You know, you always have to adapt to the situation. It is different for every race. So, I adjust my driving, so the car goes fastest. That is a natural process.”
What are your expectations regarding following other cars, will it be better? Max: “When you are driving behind another car, it seems to be a bit easier to follow. There is no longer a sudden loss of downforce, causing under- or oversteer. It feels a bit more stable, more normal. I do not expect it to be completely gone, but it looks like to be more under control. The cars are fine.”
Max continues: “But with the high speeds in the corners, it will not be like you are suddenly ‘in someone’s diffuser’.” It will always be that when you get within a second and a half that you lose grip. That is not something that can be fixed. But when it stays a bit more stable, it will already be much better. And in the last couple of years when you were following another car, your tyres were overheating, and you lost grip. The current tyres are a bit more durable, so that is also positive.”
A lot is said and written about those new eighteen-inch Pirelli tyres, that they are blocking your view? Max: “The view is different. It is not a big issue at a circuit like in Barcelona, but it will be more of a challenge on street circuits. We will have to adjust to that, but that will be the same for everyone.”
