Max Verstappen insists VITAL Imola F1 change 'makes track come alive' - GPFans.com

global

Welcome to GPFans

CHOOSE YOUR COUNTRY

Max Verstappen, Red Bull, China, 2024 — Photo: © IMAGO

Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix

Verstappen insists VITAL Imola change 'makes track come alive'

The champion has been speaking about the new layout

Stuart Hodge

Saturday 18 May 2024 14:59

Max Verstappen has praised the changes to the Imola circuit ahead of this Sunday's Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver struggled in Friday's free practice sessions at the historic circuit, where Formula 1 has returned after missing out last year due to extensive flooding in the region.

READ MORE: FIA announce PUNISHMENT for Red Bull F1 star

Article continues under video

Numerous changes have been made to the circuit since the last race in 2022, with more gravel traps installed where previously there was tarmac in order to try and discourage track limits violations - namely on the exit of Piratella, the outside of Acque Minerali and coming out of Variante Alta.

Arguably the most noticeable change has been the removal of the triple-sausage style kerbs, which have been replaced with concrete, serrated ones.

READ MORE: Major F1 engine change considered following 'FIA talks'

Max Verstappen on track on Friday

What does Verstappen think of Imola changes?

Reigning F1 champion Verstappen has been having his say on the changes, speaking to media including GPFans at the circuit.

"The last time we drove here you couldn't take attack the kerbs much because of the sausages," said the Dutchman.

"Now you might be able to do that more. It's more fun. It makes the track come alive a bit and it reminds me a bit of my days here in Formula 3.

"We'll see how it goes. I'm not sure how it goes with these low cars, but it should be better than the last time we drove here."

READ MORE: Mercedes star in car SWAP at Imola

Related

Red Bull Max Verstappen FIA Formula 1 Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix

More F1 news

Latest F1 news

McLaren F1 boss accuses Red Bull of having 'unhealthy' setup

McLaren F1 boss accuses Red Bull of having 'unhealthy' setup

Today 13:54

Ferrari F1 engineer claims team's star driver can match Verstappen and deliver title glory

Ferrari F1 engineer claims team's star driver can match Verstappen and deliver title glory

Today 11:57

New F1 team in talks with Stefano Domenicali to join grid with FIA support

New F1 team in talks with Stefano Domenicali to join grid with FIA support

Today 08:15

McLaren boss takes aim at Daniel Ricciardo's final act in F1

McLaren boss takes aim at Daniel Ricciardo's final act in F1

Yesterday 21:55

Max Verstappen celebrates daughter Lily's birthday with partner Kelly Piquet

Max Verstappen celebrates daughter Lily's birthday with partner Kelly Piquet

Yesterday 18:59

Max Verstappen and Red Bull comeback on the cards claims F1 boss

Max Verstappen and Red Bull comeback on the cards claims F1 boss

Yesterday 08:55

Just in

17:57

Miami Grand Prix at risk of chaos after weather warning

16:58

NASCAR race stopped after massive 26-car crash brings out red flag

15:55

Shocking new Jos Verstappen rally crash footage lays bare scary incident

15:42

F1 News Today: Lewis Hamilton's new career as 'hot drivers' promo slammed

14:56

F1 returns to iconic venue and smashes 22-year record

F1 news

Recommended by the editors

F1 return to Argentina sends fans wild

F1 return to Argentina sends fans wild

The Christian Horner curse? MotoGP champion crashes after F1 chief's Max Verstappen comparison

The Christian Horner curse? MotoGP champion crashes after F1 chief's Max Verstappen comparison

New F1 team in talks with Stefano Domenicali to join grid with FIA support

New F1 team in talks with Stefano Domenicali to join grid with FIA support

Meet Lewis Hamilton's ultimate superfan and you may know the music star! "I'm totally devoted to him"

Meet Lewis Hamilton's ultimate superfan and you may know the music star! "I'm totally devoted to him"

Yesterday 22:56

Ontdek het op Google Play