Verstappen not worried if "head falls off" at Turn 8 during F1 Turkish GP
Max Verstappen says he would rather his 'head falls off' through Turn 8 at Istanbul than wear neck padding for the 'brutal' forces Formula 1 drivers are expected to face

The comeback of the Turkish Grand Prix to the calendar this weekend means a return of the Istanbul circuit's famous Triple 8 left hander, which is widely regarded as one of the best corners in F1.
And with grand prix machinery having ramped up the downforce levels hugely since it last raced there in 2011, F1 drivers are bracing themselves for a physical challenge through what could be now a completely flat out complex.
Williams driver George Russell said: "I've learned that it's going to be brutal for us drivers.
"With the current speeds of these modern-day Formula 1 cars, that should be flat, and hopefully for half of the race, it should be flat out.
"I can't remember how long the duration of that corner is, but it's 4-5G of load, which is like the equivalent of 45 kilos, 50 kilos on our necks that we have to sustain for the six seconds. That's going to be a real task."
While drivers will have the option of adding some extra padding to their cockpit to help rest their neck, Verstappen says under no circumstance will he consider it.

He says the ribbing he got from his father Jos after using padding during his first F3 test means he doesn't want to risk any repeat banter.
"I remember my very first F3 test I did," he said. "After one day I couldn't hold my neck straight.
"And then I had to put the padding in, and my dad was laughing at me for using that.
"Since that day I refused to put padding next to my head. I prefer that my head falls off, than I'm running with padding. So it will be the same also this weekend."
Alex Albon said he has no qualms about using a small amount of padding, as he felt Verstappen's comments were a bit extreme.
"I prefer that my head doesn't fall off," smiled the Thai driver. "I tend to use more padding than you [Verstappen] do."
Other drivers say they have discussed the issue of padding with their teams, but so far think they will be able to get through the weekend without it.
Esteban Ocon said: "Turn 8 is going to be quite a challenge. It's probably going to kill the neck on the left side. My engineer asked me if I wanted padding, so I'm going for no padding, so let's try."
Renault teammate Daniel Ricciardo added: "My engineer asked me the same question, I laughed him off, so we'll see if my confidence bites me.".

Previous article
F1 safety car unlapping requirement is "embarrassing" - Vettel
Next article
Ocon took longer than expected to get back up to speed on F1 return

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Drivers | Jos Verstappen , Max Verstappen |
Author | Jonathan Noble |
Verstappen not worried if "head falls off" at Turn 8 during F1 Turkish GP
Trending
Albert Park Circuit Modifications Project
Mercedes-AMG F1 Team: Bahrain GP Race Debrief
The diva that stole a march on F1’s wide-bodied opposition
In 2017 new F1 technical regulations were supposed to add drama - and peg Mercedes back. STUART CODLING looks at the car which, while troubled, set the stage for the wide-bodied Formula 1 era
The themes to watch in F1’s Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. BEN ANDERSON looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says NIGEL ROEBUCK
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of car-racing titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Are we at peak F1 right now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How crucial marginal calls will decide the Red Bull vs Mercedes battle in F1 2021
The longer Red Bull can maintain a performance edge over Mercedes, the better the odds will be in the team’s favour against the defending world champions. But as the Bahrain Grand Prix showed, many more factors will be critical in the outcome of the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone