“It will not be easy”– Max Verstappen believes that the latest regulations being imposed will make 2022 cars tough to drive.
Formula 1 has introduced a set of new regulations, which were earlier meant to be enforced during the 2021 season but were delayed to 2022 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seeing the changes, like aerodynamics, bodywork and tyres, now the last year decided engine freeze. With all of this, Max Verstappen thinks that the 2022 cars will be tougher to drive.
“Of course I haven’t driven the new car yet, so I can’t answer that yet,” Verstappen said in an interview on his website when asked if the new regulations will suit him.
“But we do know that the cars will be a lot slower. I understand that it will also have very different driving characteristics. The engines will be the same, so it will not be easy with the same or more power and less grip.
“We will see. I think it will go back to the 2014 or 2015 grip levels, so that’s a big change.”
Will the races be entertaining?
Despite Verstappen’s opinion that the cars might be slower next year, he says that the competition could be even more intense and improved if work is done.
“They will look very different,” the Red Bull driver said. “But the most important thing, and we all hope this, is that the racing will improve. That’s what the fans will like.”
Verstappen’s team was the only one to push for the engine freeze in 2022, as late in 2020, their power unit supplier– Honda, announced their departure from the sport.
At present, Honda’s engine looks to be edging over Mercedes’, which has dominated the competition in recent years. That’s why Red Bull is appearing to be a genuine contender for the title this year.
