Ex-F1 Drivers Experience Supercars at Adelaide
Former F1 stars David Coulthard and Scott Speed took passenger laps in Supercars at the Adelaide street circuit, offering a fascinating comparison to their Formula 1 experiences. Both drivers were highly impressed by the Supercars' mechanical grip and aggressive kerb usage, a stark contrast to the precision required in F1, highlighting the unique demands of each racing discipline.
Former Formula 1 drivers David Coulthard and Scott Speed recently swapped their usual grand prix machines for a taste of Supercars action, taking passenger laps in Triple Eight Camaros at the Adelaide street circuit. This experience offered them a unique perspective on the V8-powered machines, highlighting significant differences from their F1 careers.
Why it matters:
This crossover event provides a rare insight into the driving dynamics between two elite motorsport categories: the high-precision, aerodynamic world of Formula 1 and the aggressive, mechanical grip-focused realm of Supercars. It underscores the distinct skills required for each discipline and offers fans a glimpse into what top-tier drivers experience when tackling different racing challenges.
The Details:
- F1 Show Car Program: Coulthard and Speed were in Adelaide as part of the Red Bull-backed F1 show car program, where they completed laps of the street circuit in V8-powered grand prix cars.
- Supercars Experience: They later rode as passengers in Triple Eight Camaros, with Coulthard alongside Broc Feeney and Speed with Will Brown.
- Coulthard's Impressions: Coulthard noted the "super impressive" mechanical grip of the Supercars. He highlighted the stark contrast in kerb usage compared to F1 cars, stating, "You do not touch the kerb in the F1 car and they muller the kerb." He also observed the shallower racing lines Supercars can take, which would be disastrous in an F1 car due to aerodynamic sensitivities. Having raced German touring cars, Coulthard found Supercars more capable of hitting kerbs due to less aero dependency than his DTM experience.
- Speed's Take: Scott Speed was equally impressed by the Supercars' ability to absorb kerbs, remarking, "It’s incredible how much kerb the cars can take and it still feels smooth." He also praised the Adelaide track itself.
- Dynamic Differences: Both drivers emphasized the "very different dynamic experience" from F1 cars, particularly the mechanical grip focus and aggressive kerb usage that defines Supercars racing.
What's next:
The Red Bull F1 show cars, which brought Coulthard and Speed to Adelaide, are scheduled to continue their demonstrations across the Adelaide Grand Final weekend. While there are no immediate plans for the F1 drivers to return to Supercars, events like these strengthen the bonds between different motorsport communities and offer unique spectacles for fans.