Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB19 makes a pit stop. 08.10.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18, Qatar Grand Prix, Doha, Qatar, Race Day.
Max Verstappen has urged Formula 1 not to introduce a rule mandating a prescribed period between pit stops after it was used for safety measures in the Qatar Grand Prix.
Pirelli’s discovery of micro cuts on its tyres following Friday’s running prompted the FIA to narrow the track by 80cm with painted kerbs at the high-speed Turns 12 and 13.
The sport’s governing body also announced ahead of Sunday’s race that it would be imposing a maximum stint limit of 18 laps, effectively ensuring each driver would venture to the pit lane three times at least.
But Verstappen, who converted pole position into a 14th victory of 2023, denies that the regulation should be permanently used.
“I prefer that we can just push as long as we can on a tyre, not forced pit stops,” he said.
“We design cars to be good on tyres. Today we couldn’t optimise that fully because that’s normally our strong point. But we’ll see what we can improve in the future.”
Race winner Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme. 08.10.2023. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 18, Qatar Grand Prix, Doha, Qatar, Race Day.
Verstappen controlled proceedings throughout to beat both Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, who secured a second consecutive double podium for McLaren.
The McLaren pairing maintained sight of Verstappen in the closing stages, though, with the Dutchman’s winning margin only clocked at 6s by the chequered flag.
Verstappen concedes that he had “to push for it” across the 57 laps, citing that escaping the one-second detection point for DRS on the opening tour proved vital to his race.
“I think what made the race was my first stint,” he added. “After that I could just manage my pace, making sure that the tyre was always in a good window.
“But the McLarens were quick again today, I had to push for it. It was definitely a tough race out there.”
Aside from concerns surrounding tyre degradation, the searing heat proved troublesome for many drivers, resulting in the unwell Logan Sargeant exiting early.
The second-ever running of an F1 race in Qatar was held over a month earlier than its previous visit two years ago.
Expanding on the conditions, Verstappen ranked it inside the “top five” of the toughest races he has ever negotiated in his career.
Keyword: Verstappen calls for F1 to avoid ‘forced pit stops’ repeat