F1 Explains Why are F1 street circuits the ultimate test? - with Mika Hakkinen + Bernie Collins
May 25, 2023
Mika Hakkinen, a double F1 World Champion known for his street race prowess, shares why street circuits present the ultimate test for drivers with their low grip and narrow paths. Bernie Collins, a former McLaren strategist, discusses the critical timing of pit stops in these high-pressure environments. Together, they dive into the intense psychological and strategic challenges, emphasizing that each turn could be the difference between victory and disaster, especially in iconic races like Monaco.
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Build Speed Gradually
- Start slowly on street circuits and build speed gradually to avoid sliding on dirty tarmac.
- Preserve the car and resist early excitement to reduce the risk of hitting barriers on first laps.
Dirty Surfaces Mean Changing Grip
- Street circuits are often dirty after public use, producing very low initial grip that changes across a weekend.
- Drivers must adapt as the track cleans and offers more grip each session, altering braking and cornering reference points.
Spilt Drinks Can Change The Racing Line
- Mika recalls Monaco's party areas leaving spilled drinks and debris that affect grip the next morning.
- He warns drivers must be cautious on first laps because you might be driving over sticky spilled drinks or oil.