Verstappen unsure 'uglier' 2019 cars will improve overtaking

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Max Verstappen doubts the aerodynamic changes that will be incorporated into next season's cars will promote better wheel-to-wheel racing.

Earlier this year, the FIA agreed to several technical changes for 2019 that will include a wider, simpler front wing with straighter endplates and no outwash, a wider, deeper rear wing to enhance the impact of the DRS and modifications to cars' bargeboards.

The purpose of the changes is to promote overtaking and closer racing, but Verstappen believes the end-result won't be a significant one.

"It might help a little bit, but what I'm already reading is that next year we'll have about the same downforce as this year, so I think that the benefit will be limited," the Red Bull driver said in an interview on his website.

"It only looks somewhat uglier, but maybe the design will be refined before the next season."

Verstappen ready to go 'extra mile' for US success

An increased importance of DRS next season also goes against what Verstappen would like to see.

"I prefer to not have DRS, which is much more natural and better for the fans, but at some tracks you just cannot catch up," he said

"Push-to-pass is an option as well, but I don’t think it will be enough to replace the current DRS."

The changes should result in faster cars, but Verstappen insists speed is a secondary factor, with the ability for cars to follow each other closely the main priority.

"I do not necessarily need to break lap records, of course it's nice if a car corners very fast, but if you cannot catch one another, it's not really a nice race, I think you need a bit of a balance between the two," he added.

"However, it is also not nice to drive a car that has no grip at all. If I compare this year’s car to the cars of 2015 and 2016 then of course, it’s a thousand times better now.

"It was always sliding and blocking, still fast, but not a nice feeling to drive."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.