Max Verstappen has expressed the need to develop a conversation with the team regarding the performance of Red Bull Racing’s new DM01 engine, due to inconsistencies in the engine’s braking that have affected his control during races. The Dutch driver highlighted these difficulties just before the competition at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, the only Formula 1 track located more than 2,200 meters above sea level.
Although Red Bull Ford Powertrains has favorably passed initial tests at high altitude, Verstappen pointed out that there are aspects that can improve. In the last races in Austin, he had already noticed erratic behavior from his vehicle, a situation that was repeated in Mexico at key moments of the competition. ‘The engine decides for itself what to do, and that is not consistent,’ said the driver at the post-race press conference.
The engineers have also taken care of other important aspects, such as the functioning of the power unit in the face of diminishing air density at this altitude. The situation has raised concerns about the turbo’s ability to maintain adequate performance. Laurent Mekies, the team’s director, emphasized that despite the complexity of the race start, the team has achieved satisfactory results.
However, he acknowledged that significant changes will be needed to avoid the problems that affected Verstappen, as well as to improve the starts. Despite the adequate performance in this area, Mekies stressed that Red Bull is still not the desired benchmark and that work continues to implement visible improvements for future competitions.
Thus, the commitment from the team and Verstappen to improve the vehicle’s performance is clear, and upcoming competitions will indicate whether these discussions about engine improvements yield positive results.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
SourceID: SRC_e3aa3b2b0479a6ad4a14d9560c91e680d09ec68e