For decades, the track walk has been a staple of Formula 1 race weekends. Drivers and team members would stroll the circuit on foot ahead of the race, scrutinizing every curb, braking zone, and corner apex in person.

This ritual was seen as essential preparation, offering insights no video could fully capture. However, the four-time World Champion Max Verstappen finds this practice tedious and unnecessary.

In a recent discussion with presenter Chris Harris, Verstappen revealed he no longer participates in the track walk, calling it simply “boring,” and has embraced a more efficient tool: Google Maps.

Instead of walking several kilometers around the circuit, Verstappen studies the track on Google Maps, allowing him to visualize every turn and straight from an aerial perspective.

He pairs this with watching onboard footage and then completes what he calls a “track walk” during his slower-paced out-lap in the car itself. This method provides him with a mental map of the circuit and aids his on-track performance once the race weekend begins.

Efficiency and Focus: Verstappen’s Preparation Philosophy

Verstappen’s approach reflects his broader philosophy towards racing preparation—maximizing efficiency and focusing on what truly aids his performance. Given his busy schedule and commitment to personal training and family, skipping the physical track walk saves energy while still allowing him to absorb critical track details.

The out-lap, where he drives at reduced speed to get acquainted with the nuances of the track surface, curvature, and grip, serves as the final and most practical step in his preparation.

This method has drawn attention within the racing community and highlights how modern technology can complement or even replace traditional techniques. Verstappen’s openness about his preparation offers insights into how today’s drivers combine data analysis with physical experience, embracing innovation to gain any possible advantage on the competitive F1 grid.

Staying Ahead in a Shifting Championship Landscape

As Verstappen seeks to capture his fifth consecutive Drivers’ title in a season where rivals like Oscar Piastri and teams such as McLaren have surged, every small edge counts. His Google Maps tactic, seemingly minor, underscores the meticulous nature of his preparation and his refusal to waste time on less productive activities.

Moreover, this approach reflects a broader trend in motorsport, where data tools and digital resources are increasingly integral to driver preparation and team strategy.

Verstappen’s focus on mental visualization and synchronizing it with real-time experience highlights how F1 champions innovate both on and off the track to maintain their dominance.