Italian GP: Drivers Are Not Fans of Changes to the Parabolica

Monza is known for being the temple of speed, and the Parabolica is one of its symbols as it sets the top speed at the end of the pit straight. Until now, it did not allow for errors since a gravel trap awaited drivers who poorly negotiated this corner.

It’s now over as the gravel trap has been replaced by a tarmac run-off area, which will certainly allow drivers to attempt entering this turn even faster without the risk of ending up with their car in the gravel. Kevin Magnussen stated: « We don’t take more risks since it’s safer and you can just run off the track and come back. Generally, I’m not a big fan of these kinds of things. I think it adds to the driving experience on a circuit when there are more consequences for going off track. I’m not saying we should compromise on safety, but in my opinion, I don’t think having gravel there makes the track any less safe. »

Same sentiment from Valtteri Bottas, who claims that it removes the difficulty from this circuit: “I think last year was more challenging because at the exit, we were always going with the outside wheels on the white line and you knew that if you went just a few centimeters further, it was over and you were out. But now, it’s not a problem if you go a bit beyond the white line. You just have to keep two wheels on the track and it’s fine. It’s still a beautiful track. It’s just that this corner is less exciting.”

For Jenson Button, the situation is completely changed: The runoff of the Parabolica has been redone and is slower if you go off-track, but now you are not penalized. I am really faster in this corner than last year because you worry less about going off into the gravel, which is no longer there. It’s different, but I still don’t know if I like it.

Fernando Alonso does not completely agree with his rivals since, according to him, the artificial grass placed on the outside of the corner still requires lifting the foot: « It has been said that we can put two wheels outside and two inside without it costing much, but I disagree. I think if you put two wheels outside, you will end up on the artificial grass and you have to lift off because it will have an effect on the car. So you always need a few centimeters of margin from that artificial grass to make a perfect turn. »

To conclude, it is interesting to note that the two Mercedes drivers also do not agree with each other on this corner. While Lewis Hamilton claims he is from the old school and states that he preferred there to be no asphalt runoff, Nico Rosberg is pleased that the FIA has decided to reduce the risk in one of the most dangerous corners on the calendar.

From our special correspondent in Monza