Why Verstappen is (Actually) Right: Front-Wheel Drive is a Compromise

Max Verstappen’s recent comments—“Front-wheel drive? Worst thing ever”—have gone viral.

Provocative? Maybe. But from a technical perspective, the world champion isn’t wrong.

Why do FWD cars exist?

• Cost efficiency: FWD was developed to reduce manufacturing costs and make cars more affordable.

• Packaging: The FWD layout allows for more cabin and trunk space.

• Perceived safety: In low-grip situations, FWD cars tend to understeer, which is considered easier to manage for the average driver.

What do you sacrifice with FWD?

• Putting power down: During acceleration, weight shifts to the rear, reducing grip on the driven front wheels. The result? Difficulty transferring all available power to the road—especially with high-output engines.

• Cornering dynamics: The front tires must handle both steering and power delivery. This leads to understeer and less precise cornering.

• Driving experience: If you’re after excitement, steering feel, and throttle control out of corners, rear-wheel drive (or AWD) is a completely different world.

The technical truth

“FWD is a compromise, plain and simple. You have 4 contact patches, 2 primary sources of force, and limited traction at each corner. The front tires must handle both acceleration and steering—it’s physics, not opinion.”

Manufacturers have refined FWD for decades, but the limits remain.

If you want a truly engaging sports car, go rear-wheel drive. If you want maximum traction everywhere, go all-wheel drive.

Front-wheel drive? It’s practical, not passionate.

Tuning. Evolved.