Max Verstappen is happy so far with the changes made to the track in Jeddah. Speaking to Viaplay, the reigning world champion discusses these changes, and analyses Ferrari' s chances during Sunday's race.
Ahead of the grand prix this weekend, the organisers of the Corniche Circuit in Jeddah have made some minor changes to the track. The main aim is to improve track visibility. This is because Jeddah has many blind corners that you go through at high speed, making it difficult for drivers to correctly assess what exactly is happening at the other end of the corner. The kerbstones have also been changed to ensure that cars do not jump as high as they go over the kerbs.
Verstappen was asked what he thought of the changes, and he was positive. " The problem with these cars is that they are so low ," explained the Dutchman. "If you put one tyre on the other side of the kerbstones, that car bottoms out a lot. I think how they have solved that now it looks very good. And because you often go over three hundred here, a bit more visibility here is always a bit safer."
Verstappen expects more challenge from Ferrari
Red Bull's big challenger in 2022, Ferrari, has so far been unable to really assert itself. Leclerc crashed out in the first race and Sainz was put at a considerable gap almost immediately. Verstappen was asked if he thinks Ferrari can come along better this time.
"Yes I think so," sounds the reply. "I also think it's the circuit for that. They also have pretty good top speed of course. And generally there's just a bit less tyre wear here as well, so that helps everyone."