Verstappen's 'secret' trick: teammate Juncadella explains what it's all about
Updated: 20:08, 20 Apr
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Ludo van Denderen is a motorsport journalist at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 and international racing series. With decades of experience in sports journalism and a long-standing presence in the paddock, he delivers reliable analysis, exclusive interviews, and in-depth coverage of the global motorsport world.
With one small remark about a “little trick” Max Verstappen uses while racing on the Nordschleife, Daniel Juncadella has piqued everyone’s curiosity in the GT world. Speaking to GPblog, Verstappen’s teammate for the upcoming 24 Hours of Nürburgring explains what it’s all about.
In the few GT races Max Verstappen has driven on the Nordschleife in recent months, the Dutchman has made a big impression. Not only on fans and rivals, but also on his teammates at Verstappen Racing.
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Juncadella learns from Verstappen
Daniel Juncadella, a highly experienced GT driver, has even found he can learn from Verstappen. He mentioned a “trick” that the four-time world champion uses. Since then, Juncadella has been asked by everyone what exactly that trick is.
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GPblog spoke to the Spaniard in Imola, where he was racing in the hypercar class with Genesis. This site also asked Juncadella about the Big Secret: “It’s not really a secret,” the experienced driver explains.
“It’s nothing special. I said something and now that there’s so much attention on Max, it’s been blown a bit out of proportion.”
Verstappen benefits from Formula 1
It essentially comes down to Verstappen having found a way to stay out of dirty air, allowing him to follow his rivals more closely. “I’m not going to say exactly what it is, but it’s the way he approached traffic, the way he was able to follow Christopher Haase during the race,” Juncadella tells GPblog.
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Juncadella admits he’d never previously considered the driving approach used by Max Verstappen.
“Of course, because he comes from Formula 1, where downforce is extremely high, the highest downforce in the world, and following other cars is difficult.
"He understands better, or is more accustomed to, how to influence the car’s balance when he’s running behind other cars. So that’s what it was about.”
Daniel Juncadella (left) with Max Verstappen - Foto: GPblog
Verstappen explains racing in GT cars
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Max Verstappen recently explained the best way to overtake in a GT car. Especially on circuits like the Nürburgring, where long straights and technical sections alternate, aerodynamics play a major role. “The most effective way is side draft. You have a slipstream when you’re behind, but it’s precisely when you’re side by side that you really feel yourself pulling someone back,” the Dutchman explained.
According to the Red Bull driver, control and timing are then the most important factors. “When you’re side by side, it’s really about who can slow the other down as much as possible,” he continued.
The circuit layout also plays a part. “If you have a long straight, that’s easier to do. In a corner it’s different, of course, and it depends on what kind of corner is coming up,” said Verstappen.
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