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Verstappen on wind tunnel: 'The track data is most important'
- Estéban den Toom
Max Verstappen has stated on several occasions in Italy that he is not happy with the current state of the RB20, the Red Bull car. The Dutchman did not come close to Lando Norris' pole time during qualifying, and from P7 he could only gain one place. The reigning world champion finished sixth in Monza. Verstappen talks about the wind tunnel and how it can help Red Bull.
Verstappen on the wind tunnel
Verstappen talks about solving Red Bull's problems in the wind tunnel. "You have the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) and wind tunnel data, of course. But it's not unusual when something's not working on the car, you end up with different readings from the simulation tools. And they don't converge. So then you get three sets of data. You get CFD, you get wind tunnel, and you get track."
Yet the gains in the wind tunnel can only get you so far, Verstappen explains. "Obviously, what really counts is the track data. But to develop it, it's like telling the time with three different watches. You've got to focus on the tool that's going to give you the most valuable input. And, of course, the track data is the most important," said the three-time Formula 1 world champion.
Red Bull and the wind tunnel
Red Bull have to spend less time in the wind tunnel. This is because of the weighted system and Red Bull are the reigning champions. Incidentally, Red Bull Racing are in the process of building a new wind tunnel. This is with a view to 2026 when the new regulations start. Christian Horner previously expressed his displeasure with the current wind tunnel. He called it a relic of the Cold War.
This article has been created in collaboration with Matt Gretton