Max Verstappen believes that modern Formula 1 cars are not suited for street circuits. The four-time world champion has previously criticized the size and weight of the current vehicles, arguing that these factors affect performance, particularly when chasing competitors. According to the Dutchman, it is nearly impossible to race properly through the streets of, for example, Monaco.
Verstappen recently appeared on the Pelas Pistas podcast alongside colleague and good friend Gabriel Bortoleto. Drivers Christian Fittipaldi and Nelsinho Piquet questioned both about the premier class. Consequently, Verstappen was also asked for his opinion on street circuits. “A Formula 1 car has no business there,” Verstappen asserted sharply. He immediately received support from Fittipaldi. “Take Monaco, for example,” the Brazilian added. “The cars are simply too big.”
“Suppose Monaco had never been on the calendar,” Verstappen continued. “If they were to approach Formula 1 now, everyone would say: ‘Sorry, that’s impossible.’ We only race there because of the historical aspect – which is fine.” According to Verstappen, this does not change the fundamental problem: “These cars are too long, too wide, and too heavy,” he continued vehemently. “This also affects racing. At high speeds, you naturally lose some downforce when you follow someone, but that can be managed. The biggest problem is in the slow corners; due to acceleration, you start to slide when you’re right behind someone. That’s where you lose a lot of time.”
However, Verstappen acknowledged that street circuits have their charm. “Monaco is always challenging – especially in qualifying, you really have to push the limit and get everything right. The same applies to Baku. That’s not an easy circuit either, especially with braking at high speeds. It’s really difficult to master. Those two are, in my opinion, the toughest.”
