Max Verstappen, a pilot from Red Bull Racing from the Netherlands, made a statement about the FIA’s plan to introduce a ‘Manual Override Mode’ in Formula 1 to increase overtaking opportunities by 2026. Verstappen expressed his opinion by saying that in the near future, drivers may have to resort to unconventional tactics, such as throwing banana peels. The FIA has now published guidelines that will serve as the basis for this regulatory change, with a primary focus on reducing the weight and width of the cars. Additionally, the new cars will incorporate active aerodynamics to counterbalance the increased reliance on electric engines. The upcoming power units will use sustainable fuels and seek a balance in power between the internal combustion engine and the electric component. Verstappen, who previously expressed dissatisfaction with the revised rules, has now taken on a more positive perspective since adjustments were made. He acknowledges that the new rules mainly revolve around engine regulations and the need for active aerodynamics to minimize air resistance and achieve faster lap times. Verstappen also revealed that during simulator tests with the new cars, he felt the need to downshift on the straights of Monza. However, this issue was resolved with the introduction of active aerodynamics on the front and rear wings, using an ‘X mode’ that provides a speed boost to the drivers. Verstappen believes that with more simulations, everyone will gain a better understanding of the changes. He emphasizes that the effective implementation of active aerodynamics on the straights will level the playing field for all drivers.
Meanwhile, the FIA also announced that it will be implementing a feature called “Manual Overtake Mode”. This feature will provide an extra boost of energy from the MGU-K to a driver who is trying to catch up to another car. Essentially, it will replace the Drag Reduction System (DRS) as a tool for overtaking. The driver behind will be able to access 350 kW of power, allowing them to reach speeds of up to 337 km/h.
Verstappen used a comparison to the popular game Mario Kart when discussing this new feature, referring to it as “banana peels”. However, he has concerns about this mode potentially creating artificial or complicated races. When asked about it, Verstappen replied: “I hope not, let me put it that way. Personally, I hope not.” He acknowledges that the feature is still in development and more simulations are needed. In the end, he will have to wait until he gets into the car to see how it feels and behaves.
Verstappen also agrees with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso when it comes to concerns about the FIA’s goal of reducing the weight of current cars by 30 kg. He believes that achieving this goal will be very difficult, especially since some teams already have very heavy cars. Verstappen recognizes that cars are getting smaller, but even if teams manage to achieve the 30 kg reduction, it still falls short of the ideal scenario.
The three-time champion shares Lewis Hamilton’s opinion that the desired weight reduction is not enough. Verstappen acknowledges that the engine plays a significant role in preventing a more substantial weight loss. He suggests that cars should actually be 100 to 150 kilograms lighter to improve their agility and make them more enjoyable to drive. However, he also recognizes that safety regulations have added a lot of weight to the cars. Verstappen believes that it is possible to find a balance between safety and weight reduction, but it depends on how the regulations are written.
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The sports world is buzzing with the latest news: famous football player Lionel Messi is back at Barcelona! After a disappointing season at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi decided to return to the club where he made a name for himself and where he spent most of his career. The news has caught everyone by surprise and is already causing a stir among sports fans.
Messi, who is considered one of the greatest players of all time, left Barcelona last year after a series of disagreements with the club’s management. His departure shocked fans and left a void in the Spanish team. However, now, with his return, hope has been renewed and fans are excited about the possibility of seeing the star in action again.
The Argentine player has signed a two-year contract with Barcelona and is already training with the team. His presence on the field has been a true spectacle, with incredible dribbles and spectacular goals. The fans are eager to see what Messi can do this season and believe that he will be crucial to winning titles.
In addition, Messi’s return to Barcelona also brings financial benefits to the club. The sale of shirts with the player’s name and number is already breaking sales records and the expectation is that Barcelona will profit greatly from his return. Furthermore, Messi’s presence attracts sponsors and increases the club’s visibility, which could result in million-dollar contracts.
However, not everyone is happy with Messi’s return. Some critics believe he should have moved on and sought new challenges at other clubs. Nevertheless, the majority of fans are excited and believe that Messi’s return to Barcelona is great news for football and the club.
With Messi back at Barcelona, the expectations for the new season are huge. Fans are hopeful and believe that the player can lead the club back to the top of world football. Now we just have to wait for the upcoming games and see how Messi performs on the field. One thing is certain: the football world is keeping an eye on the return of the Argentine star.
