Red Bull Blames Traffic for Verstappen's Vegas Pole Miss
Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko attributed Max Verstappen's failure to secure pole position at the Las Vegas Grand Prix to track traffic, which prevented him from setting an optimal final lap. Despite comfortable runs in earlier sessions, Verstappen ultimately settled for second as Lando Norris snatched pole in a challenging wet qualifying, highlighting how external factors can thwart even dominant teams.
Max Verstappen's pursuit of pole position at the Las Vegas Grand Prix was hampered by track traffic, according to Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko, who believes the team was on course for the top spot before McLaren's Lando Norris clinched it in a dramatic wet qualifying session.
Why it matters:
Red Bull, typically dominant, missed pole in challenging conditions, raising questions about their adaptability and execution under pressure. For Verstappen, who seemed poised for pole, this missed opportunity highlights how external factors can disrupt even the most prepared teams, especially as competitors like McLaren show increasing strength.
The Details:
- Unexpected Outcome: Red Bull expected to secure pole after Verstappen's comfortable progression through Q1 and Q2 in a rain-affected Las Vegas qualifying session.
- Traffic Disruption: Marko explicitly stated that traffic was the primary reason Verstappen could not set a final optimal lap. "It was mainly about the traffic, which then confuses everything," he noted. "You only need a reasonably free lap, but maybe we also just went back out too early."
- Cooling Tires: The timing issue meant Verstappen's tires cooled down by the time he had a clear track, further hindering his pace.
- Difficult Conditions: The qualifying session at the Las Vegas Strip Circuit was plagued by persistent rain, making the low-grip track extremely slippery. Many drivers, including Verstappen, struggled to find the optimal operating window for their tires early on.
- Norris's Dominance: Lando Norris ultimately outpaced Verstappen by three-tenths of a second in the closing moments of Q3, delivering a stunning final push lap that secured him pole.
- Driver Praise: Despite the disappointment, Marko commended the drivers for their performance in the treacherous conditions, noting that all but Albon managed to keep their cars on track without crashing.
What's next:
While Verstappen will start second, the focus shifts to how Red Bull and Verstappen will manage the race from the front row, especially given the unpredictable conditions of the Las Vegas track. Resolving these timing and traffic issues will be crucial for future wet sessions, as competitors continue to close the gap. For McLaren, Norris's pole signifies a growing threat, putting more pressure on Red Bull to maintain their edge.