Adrian Newey has collaborated with Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel during their dominant years at Red Bull. Newey, a renowned aerodynamics expert, has played a crucial role in propelling these drivers to the pinnacle of their Formula 1 careers. The Briton’s designs have led to a total of seven world championships for Verstappen and Vettel combined. As Verstappen gears up for his fourth championship this year, Newey considers himself fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with such talented drivers. Their feedback has been invaluable to the aero-genius, as different drivers have exhibited sensitivities to various aspects of the car’s performance.
Newey has identified a common trait between Vettel and Verstappen when it comes to their approach to tire management. Both drivers are highly sensitive to the condition of the tires, requiring them to be in the optimal range and necessitating a perfect car setup. Furthermore, Newey has noticed a similarity between himself and the drivers in terms of their sensibility towards aerodynamic changes.
In the world of Formula 1, drivers provide different types of feedback regarding the car’s performance. Teams must carefully analyze and synthesize this information to arrive at the ideal setup. While modern cars are equipped with an abundance of sensors, Newey emphasizes the importance of human feedback. Drivers possess a unique ability to feel and articulate the car’s performance, which cannot be replicated by machines. Therefore, it is crucial for Red Bull to understand the perspectives of drivers like Verstappen and Perez after each session.
Thanks to Newey’s expertise in car development, Red Bull continues to dominate the sport. Verstappen is poised to secure the championship title in the 2024 season, while Ferrari poses a formidable challenge to Red Bull’s supremacy in the current season.