In the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen stands out not just for his victories, but for his unique approach to car set-up, an aspect that even his teammates struggle to master.
Verstappen has been a key figure at Red Bull, consistently leading the charge while his teammates seem to lag behind. Many attribute this gap to his distinctive driving style and the particular demands he places on his car. In a revealing interview with Formula.hu, Verstappen admitted that what works for him might not necessarily suit others. ‘For my part, I just like the front end to turn well,’ he stated, emphasizing the need for a quick and firm response from the car, balanced throughout. He acknowledged that his ‘medium’ might differ from others, but this is what makes racing so individual.
Despite what some might believe, the Red Bull team claims that the car is not specifically tailored to suit Verstappen’s style. Instead, they argue that he possesses an ability to adapt and extract the maximum performance from his vehicle. This adaptability is starkly different from Sergio Perez’s experience, who frequently grapples with the car’s balance. Pierre Gasly, a former Red Bull driver, commented on Perez’s struggles, noting that despite being a skilled driver, Perez cannot seem to find his rhythm. Gasly pointed out, ‘Ultimately, his problem at the moment is he doesn’t feel the car.’
This sentiment is echoed by Alex Albon, who struggled with the Red Bull car during his tenure with the team. Albon described Verstappen’s preferred set-up as ‘eye-wateringly sharp,’ likening it to a computer mouse with maxed-out sensitivity. He explained that the sharper the car became to meet Verstappen’s needs, the faster Verstappen went, while those unable to adapt fell behind. Albon’s experience highlights how the adjustments beneficial to Verstappen might inadvertently challenge his teammates, causing them to push harder, sometimes at the cost of confidence and control.
For Verstappen, driving the car in its highly responsive state feels natural, whereas for Perez and others, it’s a different battle altogether. The situation puts a spotlight on how significant driving style is in Formula 1, influencing not just speed but overall harmony with the car. Verstappen’s comments underscore the reality that success in racing is not just about skill but finding and tuning the vehicle to one’s unique style.
Verstappen’s insights shed light on the intricate dynamics of Formula 1 racing, where a driver’s personal preferences can shape not only their success but also their teammates’ challenges. While Verstappen continues to thrive with his approach, it serves as a reminder of the diverse strategies drivers must employ to achieve their best performances.
