Max Verstappen advantage to take major hit with Lewis Hamilton set to benefit

Max Verstappen and Red Bull could be facing a major performance hit with reports from Germany suggesting that F1 could soon ban drivers from using DRS during qualifying in a move that will serve to benefit Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton. 

The Milton Keynes-based team have been mightily fast in a straight line this season, helped greatly by the team’s innovation in the DRS department. 

Thanks to the engineering work of Adrian Newey and his team, the RB19 is both unstoppable in clean air and in traffic, with the team’s superior system allowing them to break out of ‘DRS trains’ when coming through the field from lower grid positions.

With the drivers currently allowed to use DRS in qualifying sessions, Red Bull are enjoying a clear advantage over their competition. With their mighty DRS behind them, Red Bull have claimed nine pole positions from a possible 12 this year, although only a grid penalty stopped Verstappen from adding another to his tally in Belgium. 

Don’t miss… Mercedes have five Lewis Hamilton replacement options after new Leclerc deal[LATEST]

However, Auto Motor und Sport reports that Red Bull’s qualifying party may be destined for an unwelcome end. The latest report states that F1 is looking to put an end to the use of DRS in qualifying, levelling out the playing field when it comes to the fight for pole position.

If the rule change comes to fruition, it will undoubtedly benefit Mercedes and seven-time world champion Hamilton. At the most recent round of the season in Belgium, the supremacy of Red Bull’s DRS was immense. Verstappen recorded a fastest top speed of 340.8 km/h with the rear wing slot open, while Hamilton’s DRS saw him top out at a maximum speed of 333 km/h.

Don’t miss…
Lewis Hamilton, Lando Norris and co face humiliation as 71-year record set to go[LATEST]
Oscar Piastri’s mum declares ‘my heart can barely cope’ after son’s new venture[LATEST]
Ferrari in turmoil as Carlos Sainz ‘signs pre-contract’ with another F1 team[LATEST]

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The shocking data comes when you compare the speed gained by the two drivers with the DRS active when compared to their non-DRS assisted top speeds. Red Bull’s DRS was worth a mammoth 20.3 km/h to the Dutch driver, while Hamilton’s assistance added a mere 13.2 km/h in comparison.

Red Bull have often set their cars up to maximise race pace over one-lap qualifying speed this season, so a dip in qualifying performance is unlikely to cause a major threat to the team’s chances of a clean sweep in 2023.

That said, it will offer encouragement to the likes of McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes as well as some much-needed unpredictability for those watching at home.

Source: Read Full Article