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Changes to Monza: F1 drivers seem far from happy with them
- Estéban den Toom
Monza's circuit has been modified in recent months, as things have changed, such as the kerbstones and the layout at turns one and two. The asphalt has also been partially revamped in Italy. Not every Formula 1 driver is a fan of those modifications, as was evident during the traditional media day ahead of the race weekend in Monza, where the Italian Grand Prix is scheduled this weekend.
Ricciardo is not a big fan
Daniel Ricciardo was quite outspoken on the matter. The Ascari corner, named after Alberto Ascari, who was one of that most leading Italian Formula One driver of all time, has been modified. Ricciardo is keen to keep the circuits old-school, and that the traditional character is safeguarded.
"Maybe that means we can follow closer because it's easier flat and you get a bigger slipstream. Yeah, I don't know. I think they still underrate the kerbs and what it does to a circuit, how they change the feeling, the character, and the approach. Obviously, we're going to enjoy driving here, but it feels like it's lost a little bit of that old-schoolness that it had. And we go to a lot of modern circuits now, which are fun. They're great. But if we're going to keep the old-school ones, then let's keep them old-school. That's, that's a little bit of my concern," the 35-year-old driver from Perth told me.
What does Verstappen think?
Max Verstappen does not want to say too many words yet about the change at Monza. "I think the biggest issue that we had here was just the grip was very low. So I think just a resurface would have been already very good. Maybe even out a few kerbs because they were quite wavy, I would say. Let's see how it feels because Ascari looks completely different to what it was. I don't know if it's better or worse. First drive and then see," concluded the reigning world champion.
Hulkenberg also has yet to see it
Nico Hulkenberg is not hugely concerned about the modifications to Monza. "There is new asphalt, there's new kerbs. So we go out there and learn about them tomorrow and see, you know, how the tyres cope with it, how that might change, you know, some little details. Overall, obviously, the layout is the same, but yeah, all these other small things have been tweaked, but overall Monza, one of my favourite events. It's an amazing atmosphere here."
Bottas has different opinion to Ricciardo
Like Hulkenberg, Valtteri Bottas has not seen the changes that have been made to the iconic track. However, compared to Ricciardo, the Finn does not believe the changes will have that big of an impact: "I've always loved this track. The characteristics, the kerbs, they've been really nice. I just hope that we haven't lost that feeling of the normal Monza. I can tell you after the practice, but there are some changes. Obviously, we're expecting more grip from the new tarmac, less kerbing, and fewer ride issues. But I don't think it's that big of a change, so I think everyone will get up to speed pretty quick."
This article was written in collaboration with Olly Darcy
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