The FIA has increased the pit lane speed limit at Zandvoort for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix, a change Max Verstappen believes will significantly impact race strategy.
The Change
- Increased Speed: Drivers can now enter the pit lane at 80 km/h, up from 60 km/h in previous years.
- Time Savings: This adjustment, despite Zandvoort's narrow pit lane, is expected to save drivers 4-5 seconds per pit stop, making a two-stop strategy potentially more viable during the race.
Verstappen's View
The reigning champion welcomes the modification, calling it "a positive thing." He noted the time saving is "pretty nice" and suggested it could lead to more varied strategies, especially on a circuit notoriously difficult for overtaking. "I am quite certain that if it remains normally dry, you might see a few more strategies," Verstappen stated.
The Bigger Picture
This rule change introduces an extra layer of tactical depth. In past editions, the low pit lane speed made a single stop the default, but a quicker pit stop window could open up new strategic options for teams looking to gain an advantage.
What's Next
While rain is currently forecasted for the entire Grand Prix weekend, if conditions remain dry, the pit lane speed increase could be a critical factor in determining the outcome and strategy battles.