Red Bull’s Max Verstappen delved into his unique driving style and car setup preferences. He emphasized that every driver on the grid possesses a distinct approach, and what works for one might not suit another.
Verstappen has showcased exceptional driving with minimal errors over the past two Formula One seasons, earning global admiration. He recently offered insights into his unique driving approach.
The reigning F1 World Champion explained that he likes his car to turn into corners quickly. This driving approach bears similarities to Michael Schumacher’s style, albeit adapted for the distinct characteristics of modern race cars. Here’s what Verstappen told Formula.hu (via PlanetF1):
“For my part, I just like the front end to turn well,” Max Verstappen said. I like it to turn quickly and very firmly, but of course, everything has to be balanced.”
“You can’t put everything on the front axle and expect the back of the car to follow. You have to try to find the happy medium, but of course, it’s possible that my medium is different from others,” he added.
He further emphasized that the diverse driving styles across the grid highlight that what works for him might not be optimal for another driver.
“Everyone has their own driving style, so what works for me might not work for someone else,” he stated.”But other drivers drive differently and they are also very fast. So for me, it’s quite natural the way my car behaves because I like that kind of car, but maybe for others, it’s not the right way. That’s how it works,” he concluded.
The 26-year-old has been the dominant force on the current Formula One grid since the 2022 season, securing three consecutive World Championships. Despite currently leading the standings this season, the team and he are facing increasingly challenging circumstances.
Max Verstappen facing a “tough” situation as 2024 F1 season progresses
Red Bull has delivered extremely dominating cars in the past two seasons. While the current RB20 initially secured several race wins, it no longer appears to be the fastest car on the grid.
McLaren has made remarkable progress over the past year, resulting in the currently fastest car on the grid. Additionally, Mercedes and Ferrari have also showcased positive development trajectories.
Amidst this heightened competition, Verstappen’s previously dominant position has diminished. Although he is still very competitive, he has been unable to win races like he did in the 2022 and 2023 seasons. He recently acknowledged that the situation is becoming tough.
“If I have a good car, my life also becomes a bit easier, and probably the team’s as well,” Marca.com quoted him. “But that’s not the case at the moment, so we really have to fight for every position at the top. It’s tough, I’m not going to lie.”
As mentioned, Verstappen is still leading the drivers’ World Championship. However, RBR might be on the verge of losing their lead in the constructors’ standings later in the season owing to Sergio Perez’s inconsistent performances.