Spoutnik wrote: ↑28 Jul 2024, 23:12
Why RB did run with such a high DF package knowing Max will take a penalty, and the DRS zone will be shortened ?
There was nothing wrong with the DF package. DRS overtake was tough due to shortening of the zone in Kemmel straight and dirty air problem was exacerbated due to the low wing levels in general. Look how Norris struggled to get past Max despite having a lower wing.
However, I think the issue was the starting tyre.
As I mentioned even before the race, Max should have started on H, continued until halfway distance on it, gaining track position (like how Sainz did by starting on H), and then just gone full attack for two M stints of 10-11 laps each. I am sure the tyre delta would have been large enough to overcome the DRS zone length shortening and the dirty air problem. He could have easily finished P3 and run most of his race in clean air & utilize the time gains from sector2 (which he was never able to do, running in dirty air almost entire race).