P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen overruled his Red Bull team at the Italian Grand Prix last time out.
Max Verstappen received praise for his decision to go against Red Bull’s recommendation and opt for a low downforce set-up at the Italian GP. This choice led him to secure pole position and win the race with the fastest single lap and the fastest-ever race in terms of average speed in F1 history. Red Bull’s engineers initially wanted a higher downforce set-up, but Verstappen’s assertiveness and trust in his own judgment paid off. Former IndyCar star James Hinchcliffe highlighted the importance of the team trusting their driver, especially in a data-driven sport like Formula 1. Verstappen’s influence in engineering decisions within the team has been growing, showing his significance as a key asset. This dynamic could be attributed to his strong relationship with Laurent, emphasizing the value of a driver’s input alongside technical data and simulations.
