Red Bull Content Pool
Exclusive
Verstappen explains Red Bull choice: 'What works for McLaren doesn't work for everyone'
- Nicole Mulder
The changes Red Bull Racing made between the first and second free practice sessions at Spa-Francorchamps clearly did not produce the desired effect. Therefore, the team decided to reverse the modification and go for a high downforce wing. Max Verstappen explains why that choice was made, despite the possible disadvantage on the straight.
Verstappen explains: 'That's why we opted for more downforce'
An upbeat Verstappen spoke to the Dutch press at Red Bull's motorhome after qualifying. He overwhelmingly secured pole position for the Belgian Grand Prix, although he had to give it to Charles Leclerc (who secured the second-fastest time) due to his grid penalty for his fifth engine change of the year.
Red Bull may be taking a risk by opting for the larger rear wing. The same choice did not go down well with McLaren at the fast track a year earlier, for example. Yet Verstappen explained that it was the most logical option for both qualifying and the race following a question from GPblog.
"For us at least it was. Of course you can look at others, but if it doesn't work for you, then you just have to do your own thing. We're obviously going to see how competitive we are on Sunday," the Dutchman said. "For my feeling I had better speed with it. McLaren of course drives with a very small wing, but we felt a bit better with a bit more downforce."