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Verstappen analyses F1 regulations: 'Cars a bit too stiff'
'You follow for a long time, your tyres overheat after one or two laps'

Verstappen analyses F1 regulations: 'Cars a bit too stiff'

27-05-2023 06:00 Last update: 09:20

Especially in Monaco, F1 fans are going to see it: being in a sort of train of cars following each other. Before the latest rule change, it was virtually impossible for drivers to virtually sit in the gearbox of the car in front. By now, this can be done a lot better, so the rules seem to be working, Max Verstappen also believes.

At the same time, there are also concerns, the Red Bull Racing driver told a press briefing in Monaco. "I mean, when you follow for a long time, your tyres overheat after one or two laps," Verstappen told the media. That being said, he was asked whether F1 and FIA should stick with the current ground-effect cars, or whether an adjustment is needed after all?

'Speeds higher every year'

"So it's a bit of both," Verstappen thinks. "The speeds are being higher and higher again every year. Because we understand the rules better.  The only thing from my side is that the cars are a little bit stiff. But I do think that they are better than what we had before. Because before, when you were behind someone, you could have a really unpredictable balance. It could turn into massive oversteer, massive understeer. Where now you're following, and you lose downforce, but it's predictable."

As world champion, Verstappen is probably someone the FIA and F1 will listen to if a change in the regulations is suggested. "It's a bit better, I would say. But it's work in progress. I mean I think that the rules definitely work. But again like I said when every year the speeds are becoming higher. You generate more downforce, and it becomes harder to follow."