Verstappen gets support from Hamilton: "As Max said, it's not exciting"

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are not happy that saving tyres has become so important in Formula 1. The drivers of Red Bull Racing and Mercedes respectively, are disappointed that the Belgian Grand Prix was not very attractive. 

"This is such a great track and you can't really push through these tyres," said Verstappen at the FIA press conference. The Dutchman likes to come to the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, but he doesn't like it this way. "I always enjoy driving here, but have had to manage my tyres in about 38 of the 44 laps."

Max and Lewis agree

Tyre management is a recurring phenomenon in Formula 1. Of course it is part of it, but the current Pirelli tyres seem to be taking too much of a role. "I don't really know what else to say about it, there just wasn't much to it," says Verstappen, who has the support of rival Hamilton. "How many laps have I had to manage my tyres? About the same. It’s not particularly exciting, as Max said."

The problem in the pinnacle of motorsport is that track position is very important. That is why there have been relatively few two-stoppers in recent seasons. "This was the only way to be able to do a one-stop race. And you have to, because you lose so much time in the pit stops so it wasn’t that exciting to have to manage to go the distance every time. It’s not something I particularly enjoy," is the six-time world champion's opinion.

Hamilton wants to be able to attack more

As a driver, Hamilton stresses, you hope to be a lot more aggressive than you are at the moment. "You want to be able to attack, and push-push-push-push-push, do a stop, push-push-push."