Verstappen discusses how he thinks cars in 2022 will affect his driving style

Max Verstappen has shared his thoughts on how the new 2022 regulations will affect him.

As the defending F1 World Drivers’ Champion enters the first year of the revolutionary new regulations, Max Verstappen has set his sights on 2022.

The cars should handle drastically differently next season, with the new rules shifting the core design of the cars from an aerodynamic dependent concept to one based on ground effect.

“I like the current cars in terms of speed because it’s really impressive how much grip you have,” he said in an interview with sponsor CarNext.

“So, the new cars definitely will be a few seconds slower. But that is with the idea of having better racing, that you can follow a bit closer, that’s what they [F1] want. Because, at the moment, when you get close you have a lot of disturbance from the car in front.

“So I do hope that is going to happen.”

One of the most significant changes for 2022 is the switch from 13-inch wheels and tyres to larger 18-inch wheels, which Verstappen claims will alter driving characteristics.

“The tyres will look completely different with 18-inch [wheels] – different reaction from the tyres as well, I have to adapt my driving to it,” he said.

“It feels a little bit sharper, the reaction of the tyres and just the general traction you have out of corners feels a bit different. So I’m interested to see how it’s going to feel in real life.”

“Adapt to the situation”

When asked if he’ll have to adapt his driving style to comply with the new rules, Verstappen said he’s sad to see the old cars go, but he’s looking forward to the challenge of 2022.

“Everyone always says, ‘What is your driving style like?'” he said.

“Well, I don’t think I actually have one, it’s just you adapt to the situation. That is your driving style because, if the car is understeery, you have to adapt yourself to the understeer. If the car is oversteery, you have to adapt yourself to that. So you cannot say ‘this is my driving style and that’s how I’m going to drive’.

“It’s impossible because, sometimes, it just doesn’t work with the material you have. So I think adaptation at the end of the day is key.”

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