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| Image Credit-https://www.lematin.ch |
On Thursday, Pierre Gasly organized a special running tour at the Spa circuit to remember his late friend Anthoine Hubert, who tragically lost his life at the same location in 2019. The event focused on technical expertise and showcased Gasly's heartfelt tribute.
During the recent Budapest race, the Red Bulls no longer exhibited their outstanding top-speed advantage over Mercedes. Max Verstappen's top speed was measured at 304.9 km/h just before braking into the first corner, the same speed as Lewis Hamilton achieved. The deployment of the Open DRS, which allows for increased straight-line speed, didn't provide Red Bull with the edge they expected, despite using a new aerodynamic package.
🔴 Lewis Hamilton pense qu'il va être compliqué de remporter une course cette saison face à Max Verstappen et Red Bull !
— Off Track (@OffTrack_FR) July 27, 2023
🎙️ "Pour le moment ? Je ne suis pas tout à fait sûr que nous puissions rivaliser avec Max. Il y a eu des moments lors de la dernière course où il était 8… pic.twitter.com/XAVJxoGhlg
In contrast, earlier in the season at the Jeddah circuit in Saudi Arabia, Mercedes faced a significant top-speed deficit compared to Red Bull. Max Verstappen reached a staggering 337.5 km/h, whereas Lewis Hamilton trailed at 329.7 km/h, highlighting an approximate 8 km/h difference.
Returning to Spa, the dynamics may change once again. In Budapest, the track's layout necessitated maximum downforce, which led Red Bull to adopt a double-wing rear wing like other teams. In contrast, on circuits where the RB19 benefits from ground-effect downforce generated by its floor, they could use a single rear wing and achieve higher top speeds when the DRS is activated.
Alas traseras de baja para Spa
— Albert Fabrega (@AlbertFabrega) July 27, 2023
Low downforce rear wings for Spa#f1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/DY0bXKDJpr
With Spa's fast circuit in focus, Red Bull might reclaim its customary top-speed advantage. The lengthy straights at Spa position their car as a clear favorite to pursue a record 13th consecutive victory, including Abu Dhabi 2022, a significant feat in F1 history.
Furthermore, Pierre Gasly arranged the "Run for Anthoine" race at the circuit, inviting the entire Formula 1 paddock, along with Formula 2 and Formula 3 participants. Gasly emphasized the race's importance and meaning, noting that it was a project he had planned well before the tragic accident involving Anthoine Hubert.
Despite calls from several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Lance Stroll, the Spa circuit's layout remained unchanged for the upcoming Grand Prix. The urgency of time likely contributed to this decision, leaving concerns about the safety of the Raidillon and its blind exit unaddressed.
