Red Bull's Mexico GP U-turn uncovered: 'Unbelievable' Verstappen

15:25, 27 Oct

Updated: 16:43, 27 Oct

bySamson Ero

Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies has shed light on how the team transformed what seemed destined to be a nightmare weekend into an impressive showing at the Mexico City Grand Prix.

"The race was tense; the guys were very strong and good with the strategy, which helped us a lot.”

- Laurent Mekies

The 48-year-old speaking following the conclusion of the race, conceded his team failed to deliver a car that Max Verstappen could have pushed on as the Dutchman endured a challenging weekend compared to his recent outings. Mekies further hailed the McLaren team, particularly the pace of Lando Norris.

“We were not in the same strong positions here as we have been in the last few races. There is no obvious reason why. I think the most obvious aspect is that, as you have heard several times on the radio, we couldn't give Max a car he could push as much as he normally does.”

“This has probably slowed us down a little bit. We are probably conscious of some of the elements we have left on the table. Will that be enough to match Lando [Norris] here this weekend? Not true, honestly, credit to them. They have been very, very fast. He was untouchable this weekend.”

Max Verstappen at the Mexican GP - Photo: Race Pictures

Mekies acknowledged that Verstappen’s P5 start was a potential concern before crediting the team’s strategy and Verstappen’s remarkable second stint for salvaging a strong finish.

“I would lie to you if we knew how to come back here and beat Lando, probably not right now. However, we certainly had a difficult Friday, a difficult Saturday, so starting P5 could have been a much more difficult situation. The race was tense; the guys were very strong and good with the strategy, which helped us a lot.”

“The second stint from Max was unbelievable. So, altogether, it put us back in contention, save for the VSC; it was probably the best result we could have had.”

Red Bull not focused on the championship – Mekies

Mekies also revealed his team are not focused on the drivers’ championship despite Verstappen closing in on the title leader. The Red Bull team boss reiterated how his side will not change its approach with the season in its business end.

“We are not going to change our approach. We were not looking at the championship five races ago, we were not looking at the championship before Austin, and we are not going to after Austin. What we look at is that we don't feel 100% good about this weekend in terms of car performance.”

The French motorsports chief also reiterated how the team’s focus is on the next grand prix in Brazil.

“That's where the focus goes. Already, as we speak, back in Milton Keynes, the focus will be on what we could do if we come back here – what we can learn for Brazil.”

“The rest – the championship standings – is a consequence. It doesn't change anything for us whether we are close or far. We still want, as a team, to come to the racetrack and leave knowing we have extracted absolutely everything and that everything is good enough to fight for the win. That was not the case today; that’s where the focus was.”

Following the race in Mexico, Verstappen remains third in the drivers' standings, 36 points behind new championship leader Norris, with four races and two sprints left on the 2025 calendar.