Mekies on Verstappen's Brazil GP: Win Was Out of Reach

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies believes a victory for Max Verstappen at the Brazil GP was not attainable, despite his remarkable recovery from a pit lane start to a podium finish. Mekies stated that while a P2 might have been possible with one more lap, P1 was ultimately out of reach due to tire degradation and the race's strategic unfolding.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's performance, even without a win, underscores his exceptional recovery skills and Red Bull's strategic prowess under pressure.
• It highlights the fine margins in F1 where even a dominant driver starting from the pit lane faces an uphill battle against strong competitors and tire management.
• The analysis offers insight into Red Bull's realistic expectations and strategic decision-making during a chaotic race.

The details:

• Laurent Mekies definitively stated, "We don't think it was winnable," regarding Verstappen's chances for victory at the Brazil GP.
• He acknowledged that while a P2 might have been possible with an extra lap, P1 was unrealistic given the tire degradation observed throughout the race.
• Strategic Advantage from Puncture: Paradoxically, Mekies suggested that the early puncture, which forced an early pit stop, inadvertently provided a strategic advantage.
  • The subsequent Virtual Safety Car (VSC) limited the time loss, allowing Verstappen to re-enter the race without as severe a penalty as might have occurred otherwise.
• Lost Points: Despite the podium finish, Verstappen lost a total of thirteen points over the weekend, encompassing both the sprint race and the main event.
• Championship Standings Impact: While Verstappen gained ground on Oscar Piastri (who incurred a ten-second penalty), he lost further ground to Lando Norris. Norris now holds a 24-point lead over his teammate and a 49-point lead over Verstappen with three rounds remaining.

The big picture:

Verstappen's Brazil GP was a testament to his raw talent and Red Bull's ability to adapt to adverse situations. Starting from the pit lane, he carved through the field to secure a podium, mitigating what could have been a much worse outcome for his championship aspirations. However, the race also underscored the challenges of overcoming significant starting grid penalties, even for a driver of Verstappen's caliber. The incident highlighted the intricate dance between driver skill, race strategy, and unexpected events like VSCs that can dramatically alter a race's trajectory.

What's next:

With three rounds left in the season, Verstappen will need to maximize every opportunity to close the gap on Norris. Red Bull's focus will likely shift to optimizing qualifying performances and ensuring clean races to avoid similar starting grid disadvantages. The team will be keen to convert their strong race pace into outright victories to keep their championship hopes alive against a resurgent McLaren.