– The current Formula 1 break does not mean a quiet April for Max Verstappen. The Dutchman initially used the cancellation of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia to advance his preparation for the Nürburgring 24-hour race.
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Verstappen took part in the so-called Qualifiers at the weekend and was back in a Formula 1 car just three days later. Red Bull completed the first filming day of the season with the RB22 in Silverstone on Wednesday.
Each team has two filming days per year, during which a maximum of 200 kilometers can be driven on Pirelli demo tires. Normally, the two drivers share the duties on such a day, but Verstappen was alone on the track in Northamptonshire on Wednesday.
It is of great importance for Red Bull to learn more about its own package and possible improvements for Miami. The start of the season was extremely bumpy for the team led by Laurent Mekies. Verstappen’s sixth place at the season opener in Australia is currently the best result.
Filming day also at Ferrari
However, Red Bull was by no means the only team active this week. Ferrari also completed a filming day on Wednesday in preparation for the Miami Grand Prix, but on the Monza track.
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Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton were in action for the Scuderia, and the choice of Monza was by no means accidental. In addition to preparations for the continuation of the season and testing the much-discussed “Macarena rear wing”, Monza is also a more demanding track in terms of energy management, so Ferrari can already learn for the important home race.
Ferrari and Red Bull’s filming days took place after the FIA had previously announced rule adjustments regarding energy management this week, which also helps with the learning process.
Meanwhile, Williams, Haas and Alpine all relied on so-called TPC tests this week, i.e. tests with cars from the previous regulations. Carlos Sainz was in action in Silverstone with the FW47 in recent days, and Haas was next on Wednesday.
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Alpine is on the road this week with two cars in the dunes of Zandvoort – including reserve driver Paul Aron at the wheel.
