Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 World Drivers’ Champion from Red Bull, alongside Mercedes’ George Russell, have advocated for the elevation of cars for safety reasons.
During the season’s first race at the Bahrain Grand Prix—a race Verstappen secured— he raised the issue with the sport’s regulatory body, the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA).
“At the end of the straight, carrying full speed, the impact from the low ride-heights is too significant,” Verstappen shared with BBC Sport.
They hope that these adjustments will be part of the regulatory modifications scheduled for announcement in June for the 2026 season, though Verstappen harbours doubts.
“Our cars are currently set very low, and I’m not optimistic that the design for the 2026 model will bring any significant changes,” he commented.
Russell who is currently the president of the Grand Prix Drivers Association shared similar sentiments with Max Verstappen.
The Mercedes driver described the status quo, which originated from the 2022 regulatory updates, as “unsustainable.”
He detailed to the media, “All drivers have been in talks with F1 because maintaining the cars in this manner is somewhat unsustainable.
“The optimal performance is achieved by running the cars as low and stiff as possible, which feels as though your teeth are shaking loose on the straights.
“At the start, we’re about the height of an AA battery from the ground, reducing to the size of a chickpea by the end. Every minor bump is felt throughout your body. We’re hoping for a more viable solution with the next generation of cars.”
The Formula 1 calendar moves on to its next event this Saturday with the Saudi Arabia Grand Prix marking the season’s second race.
Red Bull sets to continue their dominance while Mercedes plans a comeback from their subpar performance in the previous race.
