The ground effect rule has catapulted Red Bull to unprecedented success and dominance. While the team began poorly in 2022, they were invincible by 2023. As a result, Max Verstappen has won three consecutive world championships and is closing up on a fourth.
However, like everything else, Red Bull Racing’s dominance is not guaranteed to stay forever. The team has faced difficulties on numerous fronts, with competitors disrupting their winning streak. Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has been the solemn fighter for the team, while Sergio Perez has struggled significantly. Recently, the Dutchman compared his driving style to that of other drivers.
Max Verstappen Explains His Driving Setup Is Contrasting With Other Racers
In an exclusive interview with Formula.hu, Max Verstappen discussed his preferred driving style, emphasizing that what works for him might not suit everyone. He explained that he prefers a car with a responsive front end that turns quickly and firmly. However, he acknowledged the importance of balance, noting that it’s not just about focusing on the front axle and expecting the rear to follow; there has to be a middle ground. The RBR triple champion highlighted that every driver has their own unique style, and while his approach might be effective for him, it may not work for others. He recognized that other drivers with different preferences can also be high-speed. For Verstappen, the way his car handles feels natural, but he understands that this setup might not be ideal for everyone. This reflects the diversity of driving styles in Formula 1 and how each driver’s preferences can vary widely.
On the other hand, Pierre Gasly, who briefly drove for Red Bull in the first half of 2019 before being demoted to Toro Rosso, shared his thoughts on Sergio Perez’s current struggles with the team. According to Gasly, despite being a talented driver, Perez is having difficulty finding the right feel behind the wheel. Gasly pointed out that Perez’s issues might stem from either personal challenges or something related to the team, though he admitted he couldn’t be sure.
Gasly elaborated that when drivers feel confident with their car, they usually bounce back quickly, even after a poor weekend. However, Perez seems unable to extract the necessary performance from the vehicle consistently. Gasly noted that there’s a disconnect between Perez and the car, which is hindering his ability to deliver strong results. The exact cause of this issue remains unclear, but Gasly emphasized that something crucial is currently missing in Perez’s performance.
Forner Red Bull Driver’s Take On Verstappen’s Driving Style
Alex Albon recently illuminated the contrast between his and Max Verstappen’s driving styles during his time at Red Bull. Albon described his own approach as smooth, preferring a car with a responsive and sharp front end.
However, he acknowledged that Verstappen’s preference for sharpness is entirely different. Albon likened Verstappen’s driving style to maxing out sensitivity in a computer game, where the slightest movement sends the cursor darting across the screen, creating a tense and ultra-responsive experience. The constant need to push harder and the car’s evolving characteristics to suit Verstappen created a challenging environment for Albon to thrive in.
