Marko Quips Sainz's VSC was Ferrari 'Farewell Gift' Costing Verstappen Second in Mexico

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko made a humorous remark that Carlos Sainz's virtual safety car (VSC) deployment at the Mexican Grand Prix was a 'belated farewell gift' to Ferrari. This incident notably thwarted Max Verstappen's charge for second place against Charles Leclerc.

Why it matters:

Carlos Sainz's incident, while seemingly minor, played a crucial role in shaping the outcome of the Mexican Grand Prix, directly impacting Max Verstappen's pursuit of a higher finishing position. It highlights how even seemingly small track events can have significant strategic consequences in Formula 1.

The Details:

• VSC Incident: While Max Verstappen was rapidly closing in on Charles Leclerc for second, Carlos Sainz spun his Williams and hit the wall in the stadium section, necessitating a VSC deployment.
• Controversy and Justification: Although some fans found the VSC controversial, it was later confirmed that Sainz's car remained in an exposed position and was emitting smoke, mandating a safety-first approach by the FIA.
• Marko's 'Gift' Remark: Helmut Marko playfully suggested that Sainz, who raced for Ferrari for four seasons before joining Williams in 2025, effectively gave Ferrari a 'farewell gift' by deploying the VSC, thereby protecting Leclerc's second place.
• Verstappen's Pace: Marko stated that Verstappen was consistently five to six tenths of a second faster than Leclerc at that point, and Red Bull was confident he would secure second place without the VSC.
• Sainz's Intent: Sainz, for his part, emphasized that he consciously tried to avoid a safety car or VSC by moving his car to a safe location within the barrier.
• Car Issues: Sainz revealed that Williams had planned to retire his car even before the spin due to prior damage to his wheel-speed sensors from a first-lap collision with Liam Lawson, which also led to two pit lane speeding penalties.

The Big Picture:

Lando Norris secured his sixth win of the season in Mexico, taking a one-point lead over teammate Oscar Piastri in the F1 2025 standings. Max Verstappen, a four-time world champion, is currently 36 points behind, making every point crucial in the remaining four rounds. Incidents like Sainz's VSC can disproportionately affect championship battles by altering race outcomes and points distribution.

What's Next:

With the championship battle heating up and only four rounds left, every strategic decision, on-track incident, and VSC deployment will be under intense scrutiny. Teams and drivers will be aiming to minimize errors and maximize opportunities, as even a 'belated farewell gift' can significantly impact the final standings.