Max Verstappen believes that the Belgian Formula 1 GP will present additional challenges for Red Bull Racing. The four-time world champion highlighted the limitations in energy management on the long straights of Spa-Francorchamps, but noted that the team usually performs well at the circuit.
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After a difficult weekend at the British GP, the Dutchman took advantage of the break to work alongside the team. According to him, the last few days were dedicated to simulator activities at the factory, preparing for the sequence of races before the category’s summer break in August.
“It was good to have a short break, and although Silverstone was a tough weekend, I was at the factory with the team last week working on the simulator. Spa is my favorite track on the calendar and it’s always good to be back,” Verstappen said.
The Dutch driver believes that the new demands related to energy management may make the Belgian round more complicated: “It might be a bit harder because of the energy management limitations on the straights, but historically we have done well here, so you never know what might happen.”
Verstappen also confirmed that he will use his special Orange Lion helmet again during the next weekend. The design is a tribute to the fans who traditionally show up at Spa and have supported the driver over the years: “The fans are amazing here and have given me huge support over the years,” he added.
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On the other side of the garage, Isack Hadjar arrives at the Belgian GP after participating in the Goodwood Festival, where he drove the RB17 and RB9 models. The Frenchman highlighted the experience and said he intends to maintain his consistency in the European rounds.
“As a driver, you live for the sounds these cars produce, so it was really cool to be there,” Hadjar commented. The competitor emphasized that he and the team will give their all in the double-header before the summer break, aiming to increase their championship points.
Hadjar also expects a new challenge at Spa under the current regulations: “It’s a classic circuit, and although it’s different with these rules, it promises a new challenge for us drivers. It has similar characteristics to Silverstone, so we don’t expect to lead the way, but we hope to bring to this weekend what we learned there,” he added.
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