Max about challenges at RBR showruns: 'Temperatures are the biggest concern'

Published on 21 September 2018 by Niels Hendrix

Keeping all temperatures of a Formula 1 racecar in check during Grand Prix weekends is a major challenge. However, during showruns, making short stints with burn-outs and donuts, those temperature are even more crucial. When these are getting too high or even too low, the car has to be shutdown. The engine runs at a certain temperature and should not become too hot, while the tyres and brakes have to be hot enough for best performance. 

It is the driver’s responsibility to control these during the showruns by adjusting the rpm’s, gears and such accordingly. Max Verstappen explains: “De temperature of the car is specifically a challenge when creating donuts. I have to keep these temperatures under control, Formula 1 cars are not designed to make showruns and create donuts.”

During the Jumbo Racedagen at the Circuit Zandvoort last May, the Red Bull Racing demo team worked with infrared cameras, to get a better understanding of how to control all temperatures. Mark Willis, support team coordinator, and Max are getting into the details of all this at Mobil 1 The Grid. Watch the video below: