The formula 1 argues with a lot of polemics about the new engine. Taking off the accelerator and letting it roll to charge the batteries is the new motto. Above all Max Verstappen is completely annoyed.
One thing can be said after the first Formula 1 test drives in Barcelona and Bahrain before the new season: the circus will not be boring. And the poison arrows between the pilots are already flying as vehemently as if they had already had the first races with hearty ones Crashes given. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris in particular are in remarkable early form verbally.
On the note of McLarenTeam boss Andrea Stella advised Red Bull driver Verstappen to all anxious colleagues that the start with the new, shorter and lighter cars would be more dangerous: “You can always start from the pit lane if you feel unsafe.” As is well known, there is a speed limit of 80 kilometers per hour in the pit lane, while Formula 1 on the track has a speed limit of four and a half times.
Norris shoots towards Verstappen
But the four-time world champion, who was dethroned last season, actually doesn’t think the new hybrid cars are too dangerous anyway, but rather far too safe. Due to the installation of a battery, which now has to supply half of the drive, Verstappen, in his own words, no longer enjoys racing: “That’s why I’m currently exploring other things outside of Formula 1 that are fun.”
This in turn upsets Norris. The reigning world champion has the test drives “totally enjoyed” and shoots towards Verstappen: “If he wants to resign, he can resign. Formula 1 is changing all the time. Sometimes you drive better, sometimes not so well.”
Now “Lift and Coast” is in demand
The reason why Verstappen doesn’t like driving at the moment is that dealing with the battery requires completely different energy management. The electric boost only occurs for a short time, after which “Lift and Coast” is required to regain energy – i.e. take off the accelerator and let the car roll.
Taking off the gas is for High-speed junkie Verstappen, of course, the horror: “I love driving at full throttle, but you can’t drive like that at the moment”he argues: “I just want to drive normally. But now we are experiencing a major step backwards.” The whole thing feels like this to him “Formula E on steroids”have it “There’s actually nothing to do with Formula 1 anymore.”
Turbo must be revved up using the accelerator pedal
How the start in particular will develop is definitely an explosive topic that will certainly impact the season that begins in Melbourne at the beginning of March. With the new mix of 50 percent electric and 50 percent combustion engine, drivers will in future have to use the accelerator pedal to beam up the speed for around ten seconds before starting in order to get the turbo up to speed.
Anyone who doesn’t get this timing right is at risk of the so-called “Anti-stall”system that is supposed to prevent the engine from stalling. The result is a drastic loss of performance, meaning that cars could almost seem to stall when starting. Ferrari star Lewis Hamilton doesn’t find this a problem: “It’s definitely not dangerous. It’s just a different and longer process than in the past. And you can still drive off without a turbo.”
Verstappen’s mockery of the start from the pit lane is therefore fully approved: “Exactly”Hamilton commented on the angry colleague’s statement. You don’t have to like the changes, but the new season definitely promises heated duels on and off the track.