Hidde Korte is an editor at GPblog, specializing in Formula 1 news. With a background in journalism and a strong passion for the sport, he delivers timely and reliable coverage of the pinnacle of motorsport.
Laurent Mekies is hopeful that Max Verstappen will achieve a good result in tomorrow’s Mexico City Grand Prix. The Frenchman believes Verstappen can fight for a podium and thinks there may even be more in store for the Dutchman.
After qualifying, Mekies discussed Verstappen’s session with Viaplay’s cameras. According to Mekies, the Dutchman could have fought for pole, but an incident with Norris spoiled his chances. The team principal praised Red Bull’s progress throughout the weekend.
"Yes, it was another good turnaround. Credit to everyone in the garage, because as you said, yesterday and this morning were quite challenging. But, as always, the team and the drivers managed to find something extra. Max definitely had the right setup today to fight for pole. I don’t think he was far off. It’s a shame about his final attempt. He was incredibly quick on that lap, but that’s part of the game."
Verstappen came close to pole in Mexico
Mekies could see from the data that Verstappen came very close to pole in Mexico. "According to our data, he was very close to pole position. Of course, you don’t know how he would have completed the final two corners, but unfortunately he encountered some traffic in the final sector. Ultimately, that’s how things turned out."
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Verstappen will try to secure the best possible result tomorrow after starting from fifth place. A podium is certainly possible, Mekies admits. "We’re not starting on the front row, as qualifying ultimately didn’t earn us a place there."
"On top of that, Max has a one-place grid penalty. I think we can be in the fight if we have the right pace, but there are also quite a few cars ahead of us that will probably have that pace too." Mekies believes Verstappen may even have more in store. "So we can fight for the podium, and hopefully there’s even something better on the cards."
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