In Sakhir, a minor technical revolution took place at Turn 10. After being executed with authority by Max Verstappen and optimized by Red Bull Racing, the technique of downshifting to first gear spread like wildfire during the second morning of testing. The objective: to maximize energy recovery under braking and recharge the battery more efficiently.
Copying Verstappen?...but how far can they go?
The principle is simple on paper: downshift one gear, accept a high engine rev, exploit the rear stability… and transform aggression into performance. In practice, it's a balancing act. The car must absorb the impact without locking the rear wheels, and the driver must tame a dynamic reaction that has long been avoided. Like VerstappenThe other pilots may or may not have tried this delicate and precise maneuver…
Carlos Sainz jr., now at Williams RacingHe makes no secret of it: " We look at what others do, we try to copy… and if we don’t do the same, it’s for a reason. »
Translation: GPS data is circulating, and so are comparisons. If Red Bull recharges and deploys energy at a higher rate, the paddock adapts.
At Audi F1 TeamThe test drive was more bumpy: more abrupt downshifts, an unstable rear end, a feeling of chaos. The same observation was made regarding the... Racing Bulls with Liam Lawson.less comfortable than Verstappen in the exercise.
The surprise comes from Lando Norris : aboard his McLarenHe strings together laps in first gear with impressive fluidity, even in qualifying simulations. The car seems to handle the stress well. Customer teams Mercedes Benz also tested the approach of Verstappen, while the official team remained immobilized.
At Alpine F1 Team, Pierre Gasly has multiplied its appearances in first place, remaining true to a philosophy already explored last year. Classic Ferrari for saleOn the other hand, he took a more cautious approach: Charles Leclerc only attempted the experiment at a measured dose.
Alexander albon summarizes the evolution: It's unorthodox. But we worked on it in the simulator all winter. When we arrive at the track, we already know what to do.
The real question remains: if some do not imitate VerstappenIs it a strategic choice… or a technical incapacity? In Bahrain, the “aggressive first” is no longer a curiosity. It may be the first sign of an emerging energy hierarchy.
