Vettel and Verstappen agree that F1 cars should be slower in 2021

  • Published on 27 Oct 2019 09:18
  • comments 6
  • By: Dieter Rencken & Rob Watts

Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen are in agreement that F1 cars must be slowed in 2021 if the overall quality of racing is to be improved.

Speaking in the post-qualifying press conference at the Mexican Grand Prix, the drivers were asked for their views on reducing downforce if it meant the overall show was improved for fans, with both Vettel and Verstappen agreeing that F1 should move to slow the cars from the record-breaking speeds they’re currently reaching.

With a presentation of the 2021 regulations expected at next weekend’s US Grand Prix, Vettel began by saying how he believes the trend towards increasing downforce with each recent set of new regulations must be reversed.

“It’s always exciting to have fast cars, I think people in the grandstands can see if the cars are slow, hence I think [that’s the reason for] the trend towards faster cars with the regulations from 2017 onwards,” said Vettel.

“But I’m sure we’re all ready to go a little bit slower as long as it’s a step forward for us in terms of racing so if not, then obviously it’s obviously not really what we want.”

Verstappen echoed Vettel’s comments and explained his belief that producing slower F1 cars under the 2021 regulations will not make them any less impressive to watch.

“The cars are really quick at the moment and I don’t think you can find a way of following [other cars] in a better way with the same cornering speeds that we have now,” said Verstappen.

“I think we do have to go a little bit slower, but not four or five seconds slower, maybe two and a half maximum. The car will still be very impressive through the corners, anyway, whenever you drive on the limit it’s very hard.

“If it’s going two seconds faster or slower, at the end of the day it’s more important that we can actually race than just to be there and [unable to] do anything.”
The regulations which are set to be revealed later this month, are expected to confirm the use of ground effect designed to facilitate closer racing by reducing the impact of ‘dirty air’ for the following car.

It’s estimated than a substantial improvement has been achieved from around 50% loss of downforce with the current regulations to an estimated 5-10% loss under the proposed 2021 design.

Replies (6)

Login to reply
  • denis1304

    Posts: 284

    should be slower and 50+ kilos lighter

    • + 0
    • Oct 27 2019 - 15:14
    • Lightening the cars runs contrary to reducing speed though, since lower weight makes them faster around corners aswell as straights.

      • + 0
      • Oct 27 2019 - 17:10
    • denis1304

      Posts: 284

      best overtakes are the ones made in the breaking zones and lighter cars are better for that

      • + 0
      • Oct 27 2019 - 23:45
  • f1dave

    Posts: 782

    That's what the throttle is there for ! Just lift your foot instead of bitching about the cars and tracks. Real racing is not about running full throttle for the entire race.

    • + 0
    • Oct 27 2019 - 16:19
    • You would ask of the drivers to go against their instinct and not race at 100% whenever they can? To intentionally limit themselves?

      • + 0
      • Oct 27 2019 - 17:06
    • f1dave

      Posts: 782

      Sorry if you don't agree that racing at 100% doesn't mean just putting your foot down and hoping that the car isn't fast enough to cope with the results.

      • + 0
      • Oct 27 2019 - 22:04

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2023

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2023

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
3 - Mar 5
Bahrain
17 - Mar 19
Saudi Arabia
31 - Apr 2
Australia
28 - Apr 30
Azerbaijan
5 - May 7
United States of America
19 - May 21
Italy
26 - May 28
Monaco
2 - Jun 4
Spain
16 - Jun 18
Canada
30 - Jul 2
Austria
7 - Jul 9
United Kingdom
21 - Jul 23
Hungary
28 - Jul 30
Belgium
25 - Aug 27
Netherlands
1 - Sep 3
Italy
15 - Sep 17
Singapore
22 - Sep 24
Japan
20 - Oct 22
United States of America
27 - Oct 29
Mexico
-
Spain
3 - Nov 5
Brazil
17 - Nov 19
United States of America
24 - Nov 26
United Arab Emirates
-
Italy
-
Italy
-
Italy
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2023

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
3 - Mar 5
17 - Mar 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
31 - Apr 2
Australia Albert Park
28 - Apr 30
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
5 - May 7
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
19 - May 21
26 - May 28
Monaco Monte Carlo
2 - Jun 4
16 - Jun 18
30 - Jul 2
Austria Red Bull Ring
7 - Jul 9
United Kingdom Silverstone
21 - Jul 23
Hungary Hungaroring
28 - Jul 30
25 - Aug 27
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
1 - Sep 3
Italy Monza
15 - Sep 17
22 - Sep 24
20 - Oct 22
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
27 - Oct 29
3 - Nov 5
Brazil Interlagos
17 - Nov 19
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
24 - Nov 26
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule

Driver profile

  • Team Red Bull Racing
  • Points 2,587
  • Podiums 98
  • Grand Prix 185
  • Country NL
  • Date of b. Sep 30 1997 (26)
  • Place of b. Hasselt (Belgie), NL
  • Weight 70 kg
  • Length 1.8 m
Show full profile
show sidebar