Verstappen disappointed with F1 track decisions, supported by Piastri and Russell

11:52, 20 May

bySienna Ionta

The rumours that Imola might be removed from the calendar are becoming more persistent. The track's contract is ending, and F1 is looking to hold more races in other countries. Last weekend seemed, for now, to be the last race on the Italian circuit, where Max Verstappen managed to win. Verstappen is a fan of old school tracks and hopes Imola remains on the calendar.

Verstappen Longs for the 2016 Cars

In 2016, Max Verstappen claimed his first victory in Formula 1. Verstappen still has fond memories of the car from that time and believes those cars were better suited for certain circuits.

"I think the cars we have now unfortunately just don't perform that well on a street circuit. They are way too big, too stiff, too heavy. I would say they don't really come alive, even compared to say 2016."

''I know the lap times were a lot slower, but at a street circuit, the car at least came to life a little. You could take some kerbs and it worked. Now everything feels a bit boring. But yes, on these kinds of circuits, it's just fun. So many fast corners, and the limit is the gravel or the grass. That makes it more exciting and harder to drive a perfect lap.''

Max Verstappen in his Red Bull with Oscar Piastri in the background

Piastri shares his support

Oscar Piastri is also a fan of Imola, the Australian prefers the track to stay on the calendar and argues that historic tracks are favorites among drivers. ''I said on Thursday already, if we don’t come back here, it would be a shame. Again, I think having two races in the same country in the current Formula 1 may not be the most logical choice, considering the number of countries that want to organize a race.''

''But I agree that we need to be careful. We have to make sure we don't lose all the historic circuits that have existed here for centuries, because at least 75% of those are favorites among the drivers. If you ask the drivers for their top three favorites, it’s probably a mix of Silverstone, Suzuka, Spa, Imola, and probably Zandvoort'', according to Piastri.

Russell wants balance

George Russell agrees with his colleagues, but also sees that there are fewer opportunities for overtaking at the old circuits. That is why he is in favour of a good balance between types of races on the calendar.

"For us, it is definitely the most exciting season of the whole season when we are on these types of circuits. I also appreciate that the fans are watching - I don't know if they share the same excitement at a circuit like this, compared to a circuit that is less fun for us to drive. So you have to find that balance."

"As we said before, we like that character, but it is very difficult to race here in Imola. It is difficult to race at Zandvoort. And Japan was not easy either. The new circuits, although they lack a bit of character, generally produce good racing,'"Russell concludes.