Ricciardo Critiques Big F1 Changes at Monza Italian Grand Prix

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As the Italian Grand Prix approaches, notable updates to the Monza track have sparked attention, mainly from seasoned driver Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian racer has expressed concerns that these changes may diminish the circuit’s historic charm, a feature cherished by both fans and competitors.

Changes to the Monza Track

Monza, a track known for its high speeds and unique layout, has undergone significant modifications ahead of the upcoming race. The circuit has been repaved, and the iconic curbs at the chicanes, which were once raised and challenging, have been replaced with flat versions. 

These kerbs were a defining feature of the track, playing a critical role in memorable racing moments, such as the dramatic 2021 incident where Max Verstappen’s car went airborne over Lewis Hamilton’s vehicle, leading to Ricciardo’s last Formula 1 victory.

Impact on racing dynamics

Ricciardo, returning to Monza for the first time since 2022 after missing the previous season due to injury, is concerned that these changes have removed some aspects that make Monza special, especially using kerbs to improve lap times.

He emphasised that these were integral to the track’s unique driving experience, adding complexity and excitement. In particular, he pointed out the second chicane at Turn 5, where drivers used to navigate over a narrow concrete strip before hitting the gravel, a manoeuvre that added to the thrill of racing at Monza just like the thrill of playing crypto casino games. 

While he admitted that the new asphalt looks nice, he remains disappointed with the flat kerbs, which he believes could lead to broader and easier corners through turns nine and ten.

Potential benefits of the changes

Despite Ricciardo’s worries, he sees a silver lining in the new flat kerbs. He believes they might help with slipstreaming, a racing tactic that can be hard to achieve at Monza because of teams’ low downforce setups.

‘I don’t want to focus only on the negatives,’ Ricciardo said. He assumed these changes might allow them to follow each other more closely because the flat surface could create better slipstreams.

However, Ricciardo also pointed out that track designers often overlook how much kerbs can affect a race. He said, ‘While I…