Verstappen’s Rivals Face DRS Dilemma in Miami Pursuit
2024 Miami GP Preview
As Formula 1 heads to the glamorous Miami for the second running of the Miami Grand Prix, reigning world champion Max Verstappen will be looking to make it two wins from two at the new venue.
With a dominant start to the 2024 season, Verstappen and Red Bull will once again be the team to beat in Miami, however, their rivals will be hoping the unique characteristics of the track could give them a chance to challenge.
One of the key talking points heading into the weekend is the DRS zones around the circuit.
DRS Dilemma
Miami boasts three DRS zones, more than any other track on the calendar, providing ample opportunities for overtaking.
The first DRS zone is a relatively short one on the run down to Turn 11, while the second DRS zone on the back straight to Turn 17 is the longest DRS zone. The third DRS zone begins on the exit of Turn 18 and runs to the start/finish line.
The presence of three DRS zones could give Verstappen’s rivals a chance to close the gap on the straights.
However, the three DRS zones could also create a dilemma for teams.
With overtakes likely to be difficult outside of the DRS zones, teams will need to decide whether to sacrifice straight-line speed for more downforce in order to be quicker through the corners.
Ferrari’s Miami Challenge
Ferrari will be hoping to challenge Red Bull in Miami, but will be aiming to bounce back from a disastrous Emilia Romagna Grand Prix weekend that saw both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz retire with mechanical issues.
The F1-75 is a quick car, but they’ll have to make the right decisions in terms of downforce and DRS to close the gap to Red Bull and Verstappen.
Mercedes’ Plan
Mercedes will also be hoping to close the gap to Red Bull in Miami after making a promising start to the season with one win and two runner-up finishes.
The W14 has shown strong race pace, but the team has yet to match Red Bull’s one-lap pace.
The Miami track could suit Mercedes as the team focuses on trying to find a solution to porpoising, which has been a problem in the early part of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
The Miami Grand Prix is set to be a fascinating race, with Red Bull the favorite, but Ferrari and Mercedes hoping to take advantage of any DRS dilemma to challenge for victory.
It will also be interesting to see if any other teams can spring a surprise and challenge the established order in Miami.
Kind regards
A. Guthof.