Lawson downplays impact of Verstappen's new downshift trick
Red Bull rookie Liam Lawson says the aggressive first‑gear downshift Verstappen used in Bahrain testing isn’t a game‑changer. He cites lower corner speeds and reduced downforce as bigger factors, noting the technique will become routine as teams adapt to the 50‑50 power‑split era.
Liam Lawson brushed off the hype surrounding Max Verstappen’s new gearbox maneuver – an aggressive downshift to first gear on Bahrain’s tight Turn 10. While the move spikes revs and charges the hybrid battery faster, Lawson argues the real variables this season are lower corner speeds and a noticeable loss of downforce.
Why it matters:
- Battery charge: The extra revs generated by dropping straight to first gear spin the MG‑K hybrid motor faster, refilling the 4 MJ energy store before the long straight – crucial now that power is split roughly 50‑50 between internal‑combustion and electric output.
- Downforce shift: The 2024 aero package reduces overall downforce, so cars carry less speed into corners. Any technique that extracts extra energy without compromising stability becomes especially valuable.
The details:
- Verstappen’s execution: During testing at Sakhir he entered Turn 10, then slammed the gearbox into first gear, forcing the rear to become loose under braking. The car’s rear slides, but engine revs climb to the redline, boosting kinetic‑energy recovery.
- Effect on handling: The sudden shift destabilises the rear, demanding precise throttle control to avoid excessive slide. Lawson notes that the reduced aerodynamic grip this year amplifies that challenge, making the trick harder to master.
- Hybrid context: The 2024 power unit delivers about 735 bhp split evenly between ICE and electric motor. Faster battery replenishment means drivers can deploy more boost on the following straight – a tactical edge in qualifying and sprint races.
What's next:
- Adoption timeline: Lawson expects the downshift to become “natural” as drivers gather data and adjust brake bias and throttle maps, likely seeing broader use in the latter half of the season when tyre wear stabilises.
- Team strategy: Red Bull will weigh the trade‑off between rear stability and extra energy against track‑specific characteristics, potentially refining the technique for circuits with long straights and tight slow corners.
In short, the trick is a tool, not a revolution – its value will be judged by how comfortably teams can integrate it without sacrificing the car’s balance.