Just keep in in La Source, because there is a lot of asphalt behind the curb at the exit of the curve. That was once. Because in the course of the renovation work on the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps before the Belgian Grand Prix 2022, a new gravel bed was laid at this very point. And Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen believes that there will be consequences.
“You don’t want to go in there,” said Verstappen before the first race after the summer break. He added jokingly: “After all, we don’t have a rally car, so you have to [von diesem Kiesbett] keep away.”
He believes the conversion will have a deterrent effect on everyone involved: “I guess the drivers [werden konservativer vorgehen].”
“You’ve already seen it in Formula 3 racing: on the old track variant, you’re usually far out [über den Randstein] had it carried out and then drove back because it worked. But now that’s no longer possible. So I assume everyone will be a little more cautious.”
Pérez senses a possible disadvantage
This also applies to Verstappen’s teammate at Red Bull, Sergio Pérez, who will start the race from second place. And Pérez is quite frank that he won’t necessarily attempt an attack on Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz up front in the first corner.
Because Pérez senses a possible disadvantage if he passes the first few meters: “If you have a car close behind you, then you certainly don’t want to be in front of Eau Rouge at the top.”
He fears the slipstream through the long full-throttle passage up to the Les Combes chicane – and wants to use the situation to his advantage and “make the best of it”. Pérez: “The plan is to get a good start and then Carlos [Sainz] to snatch away the lead as soon as possible.” Just not right away in the first corner.