Max Verstappen recently tested a 2022 RB18 at Imola, sparking curiosity.
- Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur called the test a ‘clear development’ move by Red Bull.
- Verstappen clarified the test aimed to refresh his memories of the older car.
- The private test was fully compliant with current F1 regulations.
- Both Red Bull and Ferrari find value in using previous cars for improved performance.
In a move that stirred speculation, Max Verstappen took a spin in a two-year-old RB18 car at Imola. This test was completely above board with F1 rules, yet it piqued the interest of their main competitor, Ferrari. Fred Vasseur, Ferrari’s team principal, commented on the test, suggesting it was a strategic attempt by Red Bull to refine their current vehicle by revisiting past models.
Verstappen, however, downplayed this narrative. He explained that the purpose of the testing was to ‘refresh my mind’ with the machinery from the 2022 season. The Dutch driver highlighted the enjoyment and familiarity found in driving the older car again after a long break since 2022. Imola provided a notable backdrop for this test, with Verstappen mentioning the fun he had driving around the iconic track.
Ferrari’s actions mirrored Red Bull’s approach, as noted by Charles Leclerc. Ferrari also engaged in testing their 2022 car early in the season to compare it against newer models. Leclerc described this as a means to align with the newer cars and help drivers regain their rhythm before actual race tests start.
Red Bull’s Paul Monaghan mentioned that these TPC (Testing Previous Cars) days serve to provide drivers with a different ‘reference’ point. This offers them a unique opportunity to contrast the old and the new, potentially leading to insights that could benefit current performance. Both teams, it seems, are vested in utilizing past experiences to guide present and future decisions.
As F1 navigates the ground effect era, these tests have become more relevant. Regulations allow such tests with at least two-year-old cars, demonstrating a strategy embraced by both Red Bull and Ferrari. These approaches underscore the constant evolution and tactical planning occurring behind the scenes in Formula 1.
Both Red Bull and Ferrari are strategically focused on leveraging past experiences to enhance their current and future performance.
