Verstappen's rivals start to 'copy' his 2026 technique
The number of Formula 1 drivers attempting the technique pioneered by Max Verstappen and Red Bull has surged during the second day of testing in Bahrain. This technique involves using an extra downshift to navigate corners in first gear, maximizing energy recovery to charge the battery under braking.
As Williams driver Carlos Sainz noted, every team has access to extensive data during testing, leading to a natural tendency to 'copy' the strategies of others. This phenomenon was evident at Turn 10, where Verstappen's innovative approach gained traction among his rivals.
The Red Bull car and engine package are specifically designed to facilitate the use of lower gears and higher revs, aiming to maximize energy recovery. However, the challenge lies in the driver's ability to manage the mechanical demands of this technique, as even lower gear ratios can result in a significant rear kick during the unorthodox downshift to first gear, which is rarely used in F1 outside of race starts.
A notable contrast emerged between Verstappen and the Audi drivers on Wednesday. Audi's approach demanded an even more aggressive downshift and rev spike, making it harder to handle and less refined. This highlighted the need for a delicate balance between mechanical capability and driver skill.
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The key question arises: Can the car and driver effectively manage the consequences of an aggressive downshift without compromising control? Even if the car and engine can handle the mechanical demands, the technique triggers a dynamic reaction that drivers have spent their careers avoiding.
Verstappen's adaptability will be crucial in this regard. However, an intriguing question emerges: Is a team or driver downshifting more due to a lack of need or an inability to manage the technique effectively?
When pressed by The Race, Carlos Sainz acknowledged the early stages of experimentation, stating that teams naturally tend to copy others' strategies when GPS data is abundant. He emphasized the importance of thorough checks and double-checking to ensure that any deviations from the norm have a valid reason.
The absence of the Red Bull car from the track due to technical issues limited the opportunity to assess its approach on the second day. However, observations of nine other cars over two hours provided valuable insights.
Liam Lawson, using the same engine in the Racing Bulls, struggled with rear instability triggered by the extra downshift, indicating a need for further refinement. Conversely, Lando Norris in the McLaren successfully employed the technique, achieving good results during both normal and push laps, showcasing the car's capability to handle the dynamic demands.
Many teams and drivers have experimented with this approach, including direct rivals like Lando Norris in the McLaren and Pierre Gasly in the Alpine. Norris' success in the McLaren suggests that the car can effectively manage the technique, while Gasly's experience with first gear is notable given Alpine's previous challenges with the Renault engine.
Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari and Alex Albon in the Williams also attempted the additional downshift, but with varying levels of satisfaction. Leclerc preferred second gear, while Albon experimented with both gears.
Esteban Ocon and Sergio Perez, driving for Alpine and Cadillac respectively, showed restraint, with Ocon trying first gear only a few times and Perez sticking to second gear. This suggests that teams are adopting a measured approach, learning from each other and adapting their strategies accordingly.
The testing phase is a dynamic process, with teams constantly experimenting and learning. As one team boss remarked, every lap provides valuable lessons about energy management, car behavior, and the effectiveness of different strategies. These techniques are likely to have been trialed at Barcelona, but teams remain adaptable, drawing inspiration from each other and their own experiences.
Sainz's observation about copying strategies highlights the influence of Verstappen's driving on Wednesday. Initial GPS data suggests that Red Bull is charging the battery and deploying power at a rate that others are struggling to match, prompting teams to explore similar approaches.
In conclusion, the Formula 1 landscape is witnessing a fascinating evolution in driving techniques, with rivals copying Verstappen's innovative approach. The challenge lies in managing the mechanical demands and dynamic reactions, but the rewards are significant, as demonstrated by the successful implementation in various teams and cars.
