Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies expressed disappointment over Max Verstappen’s early exit during Qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The team’s adjustments made after a lackluster Sprint performance backfired, leading to significant issues during Q1.
Mekies Reflects on Painful Qualifying Session
Verstappen, who entered the weekend 36 points behind the McLaren duo in the drivers’ standings, faced unexpected challenges. His hopes for a fifth championship slipped away as he struggled for grip on the slippery track.
Details of the Qualifying Performance
- Position: Verstappen finished in P16.
- Team Mate: Yuki Tsunoda was eliminated in P19.
- Feedback: Verstappen reported “no grip – zero” via radio during Q1.
The tricky weather conditions led to concerns among multiple drivers, but Verstappen’s experience didn’t mitigate the issues he faced. The adjustments Red Bull made were intended to enhance performance but instead “went in the opposite direction,” according to Mekies.
Looking Ahead
Mekies acknowledged the team’s struggles, stating, “Today has not been a positive day for the Team, but one we will try and learn from.” He emphasized that the team’s focus needs to shift towards understanding their car’s performance on the unique Sao Paulo circuit.
- Mekies noted the team decided to take risks after their Sprint showing.
- The outcome was disappointing, impacting their competitiveness.
While rivals like McLaren and Mercedes adapted well to the challenging circuit, Red Bull’s performance lagged. With rain not expected, a comeback akin to last year’s race from P17 to P1 is unlikely.
Team’s Future Strategy
As they look toward the race, Mekies stated, “We are missing the right window for the car for this circuit.” He is optimistic about exploring options to improve their setup and performance for the race.
All team members remain committed to enhancing their competitiveness and preparing for the challenges ahead as they seek to regain lost ground. The focus will be on getting both cars into a more competitive position for the upcoming race.
