Red Bull Content Pool
F1 News
Why Verstappen opted for the big rear wing despite overtaking race
Max Verstappen drove qualifying for the Belgian Grand Prix with a larger rear wing. Why did Max Verstappen choose this wing, which could potentially cause him problems in the race?
"I felt a bit more confident and comfortable on the FP1 wing," Verstappen stated after qualifying. The bigger wing logically helped Verstappen in the rain, but a dry race is expected on Sunday. To what extent could it then be a disadvantage for Verstappen?
Why did Verstappen choose the big rear wing?
"I hope that that is also going to be the case tomorrow [Sunday]. Tomorrow is a bit warmer as well so naturally probably a bit more sliding. I just hope that it's better for me. When you look at the McLaren for example, they run a very skinny wing, it seems to work for them but it didn't really work for me yesterday."
"Bit of a different strategy there and I guess we'll find out tomorrow how it will work out. I have to pass cars, the DRS effect is quite big around here but at the end of the day I think it's more important just to be good on tires because if you’re good on tyres then you can pass people," Verstappen concluded.
The Dutchman has a new combustion engine in the back of the car and was given a 10-place grid penalty as a result. Because of his pole position in qualifying, Verstappen will therefore start Sunday from 11th place.