Newey disagrees with criticism on Verstappen: 'People have a short memory'
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Red Bull Racing 's RB18 seems to be less demanding than the cars the team drove in previous years. Where Max Verstappen was usually the only one who could work with the car, this year's car also seems to suit Sergio Perez. Adrian Newey elaborates on the importance of feedback from drivers in developing the car.
In conversation with The Race Newey explains that the driver plays an important role in developing the car. "To a certain extent, a car will evolve according to the feedback from the driver, because that's an important part of how you develop the car," he explains.
Driver Feedback Important to Newey
He points out that previous Red Bull Racing cars could be a bit nervous at the turn-in, something the designer says Verstappen was fine with and could even use to his advantage.
"His teammates often found that more difficult. Especially poor old Checo, it took him a while to adjust. He got there," continues the designer and technical director of Red Bull Racing, who incidentally has a very good relationship with the world champion.
Newey enjoys working with Verstappen
With Verstappen, Newey is assured of good feedback. "The great thing about Max is that you always know what the car is capable of, because he always gets in there and wrings its neck," he continues. He also praises the Dutchman for his sense of tire management. Newey therefore calls his 'wild' reputation as a driver completely unjustified.
Newey mentions a few moments where Verstappen was at fault in 2021, but contrasts this with Lewis Hamilton 's misstep at Silverstone. "To me that was a clear professional foul [by Hamilton] and people seem to have a short memory," said the Brit.