Max Verstappen does not understand the FIA's decision to remove Albert Park's fourth DRS zone, a move that he believes will make his race harder. The Red Bull driver will start the Australian Grand Prix from second on the grid, one spot behind title rival Charles Leclerc. However, he will now have one fewer DRS zone available to him as he looks to find a way past the Monegasque on race day. The FIA made the call to remove one of the circuit's four DRS zones - between Turns 10 and 11 - on safety grounds.
Verstappen expecting tougher race after DRS zone removal
Verstappen admits that he was left confused by the decision, as he views the DRS zone in question as being less dangerous than others on the calendar. "With taking away one DRS zone, it's going to be harder," Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365.com , when asked how the change would affect his race. "I don't really understand why they took it away, because it was much safer than what we do in Jeddah, for example. "It's a bit of a mystery to me why that happened. But yeah, we'll give it our best."
One team complained about fourth DRS zone, says Verstappen
Verstappen believes it was the complaint of one rival team - who he chose not to name - that led to the DRS zone being removed. "There was only one team who complained about it and it got removed this morning, so I don't really understand because, for me, it was way easier than doing it in, for example, Jeddah because there were way more corners," Verstappen continued. "For me, there was never any issue with driving there with the DRS open. So yeah, you have to ask the FIA why they took it away. "It's a shame because it would have helped the racing."
Sainz also disappointed by removal of DRS zone
The removal of Albert Park's fourth DRS zone could also slow Carlos Sainz's progress on race day, with the Spaniard set to start in ninth. "I think it's a bit of a shame because, I think, for tomorrow into the race, definitely the racing could have been a lot better," said Sainz, who had Ferrari teammate Leclerc alongside him in agreement. "It sounds like when you look at Jeddah, where we have the DRS within the corners, within the walls and yeah… but I think I'm not the right one to answer if I need to explain to you."
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