today, 13:06 | by Mike van Weert
Jolyon Palmer has analyzed Max Verstappen’s driving style in the rain. The former Formula 1 driver can enjoy the alternative lines that the Red Bull Racing driver drives when the circuit is wet. In addition, Palmer sees that Verstappen has excellent car control. As a result, the Limburger always knows how to correct his spins perfectly and loses very little time.
Verstappen is known for his driving skills in treacherous conditions. For example, the Red Bull driver did not let himself be fooled during the Grands Prix of Monaco and the Netherlands, which were held last year, in which other drivers had a much more difficult time. At the start of the race at Zandvoort, the reigning world champion had to continue one lap longer on a wet circuit. Once he was able to chase Sergio Pérez on intermediates, he was more than three seconds per lap faster than his teammate.
During his Formula 1 career, Verstappen has often managed to make a difference on wet asphalt. Palmer analyzes where the Dutchman manages to make that difference. “He always does brilliantly and the most important things are the lines he knows how to drive,” the former driver says in a video from F1TV. ‘He is one of those drivers with a gift for feeling where exactly the grip is. Verstappen knows how to combine that with excellent car control.’
Palmer places Verstappen’s lap next to Hamilton’s
Palmer looks at images from the Grand Prix weekend in Belgium in 2021. Then Q3 of qualifying was stopped for some time after a heavy blow from Lando Norris. Qualifying was ultimately down to three drivers: Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. The then Williams driver managed to set the fastest time. Russell managed to maintain this position after Hamilton crossed the line. Verstappen was ultimately faster and took pole position.
Palmer compares the laps of Verstappen and Hamilton. The former Renault driver sees a clear difference in the racing lines that the drivers take. ‘Hamilton drives the conventional line, while Verstappen uses more of a karting style. Max never comes close to an apex at any point. He really wants to stay as far away as possible from the place where there is the most rubber. He’s actually been doing it this way for years.’
Verstappen knows how to minimize mistakes
The 2016 Brazilian Grand Prix is of course also mentioned by Palmer. There, Verstappen managed to impress everyone in Formula 1. By driving unconventional lines, the Dutchman managed to gain many positions and ultimately finish on the podium. Yet Verstappen lost control of his car once. ‘When he suffered from aquaplaning in that last corner, he still had sublime car control. He brakes hard and then knows how to release the brakes at the perfect moment to right his car again.’
“You could also say: there’s a lot of luck involved and he won’t be able to do that a second time,” Palmer continues. However, the Briton takes another moment. During the German Grand Prix in 2019, it was also very wet in the opening phase of the race, but when it was dry, Verstappen suddenly spun. ‘If he loses control, he still manages to lose as little time as possible. He always reacts so well to such a moment,” Palmer concludes. Verstappen ultimately won the race at Hockenheim in 2019.
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2024-02-15 12:06:00
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