Max Verstappen was scathing in his criticism of the current generation of Formula 1 cars in low-speed corners, admitting that the latest machines “feel like a boat”.
The current generation of ground-effect F1 cars has bordered on almost reaching the 800kg mark in weight, separating them as the heaviest in F1’s modern period.
At over five metres long and approximately two metres wide, the sheer size of F1 machines cannot be understated and this has had a detrimental impact on racing.
While these low-riding ground effect beasts are fearsome in high-speed corners, the cars become unstuck and cumbersome on low-speed corners across the globe.
“Yeah, high speed is quite good with these cars, but in the low speed, it does feel like a boat,” Verstappen admitted after claiming pole position at Suzuka.
“Luckily there are not too many low-speed corners around [Suzuka].
“And actually, I think in a fun car anyway, like high-speed corners are more fun.
“Yeah, the old cars were a bit more agile, but this car definitely generates a lot of downforce in the high-speed corners.”
Looking ahead, F1 and the FIA are targeting lighter, smaller cars for 2026 with a weight reduction of up to 50kg proposed.
However, there are other concerns beyond a minimal step toward a lighter formula, which the Dutchman has also addressed.
With the 2026 power units featuring a 50/50 power split between internal combustion and electrical components, conserving energy will be paramount in two seasons’ time.
Concerns about energy conservation are having a direct impact on the chassis and aero regulations for 2026, which are still in development.
As it stands, active aero front and rear are being discussed for the 2026 F1 machines.
Verstappen believes the most important thing regarding the forthcoming regulations is the weight of the cars and suggested compromises will be found from circuit to circuit in 2026.
“We’ll have to deal with some compromises on some tracks, you know, where you use a lot of energy per lap,” Verstappen said.
“And of course, you know, with the potential like active aero and stuff. I’m not sure if we should head into that direction. That’s what it’s looking like at the moment.
“Hopefully, we can optimise all these kind of things. For me, it’s more important to just try and fight the weight of the cars, try and optimise that instead of all these tools and tricks to try and help the overtaking or following.
“There must be different ways to be able to do it.”
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