F1 News
Verstappen analyses 'windy' pole lap and predicts tricky race
- GPblog.com
Max Verstappen seemed to have driven the perfect lap during qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix. While it may not appear so on camera, it was no easy task for Verstappen. On Sky Sports he explained that the wind played an important role.
It all started at turn 1, where the wind had changed compared to the free practices. Instead of a tailwind on the straight, the drivers now had the wind at their backs entering turn 2. "Because the wind comes from behind when you're in the middle of the corner, it's such a tricky corner now. You lose control of the rear on the exit of the corner because of that," Verstappen analysed his lap.
Hamilton slipped
At corners 10 and 11, Verstappen believes the drivers experienced the same problem. Lewis Hamilton 's onboard footage shows him slipping as he entered turn 10. This is due to the wind, according to Verstappen. If you do it right it results in a bit of understeer, but if it goes wrong the car breaks out quickly.
"It's the same for everyone, but these cars are very sensitive to it [the wind], so it's not going to be easy [during the race] to get it right. Because of the gusts it also changes every lap, so you will have to be reactive," Verstappen said.