Max Verstappen Hopes to Avoid Repeat of 'Tough' Mexico GP Weekend

Max Verstappen is looking to put his challenging Mexico City Grand Prix behind him, hoping to avoid a similar weekend as he pursues a record-equalling fifth consecutive F1 drivers' title. Despite closing the gap to Lando Norris, the Red Bull driver emphasized the need for 'perfect' weekends, which Mexico was not, highlighting his car's struggles with grip and pace.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's 'tough' admission underscores the intense pressure and tight competition in the closing stages of the F1 season. His quest for a fifth consecutive title, a feat only achieved by Michael Schumacher, is now facing significant challenges from McLaren, making every race weekend crucial for Red Bull to regain their dominant form.

The Details:

• Championship Standing: Verstappen trails Lando Norris by 36 points and Oscar Piastri by 35 points with only four rounds remaining.
• Mexico City GP Performance: After qualifying a lowly fifth, Verstappen managed to secure third place in the race, setting an impressive 30 successive lap times in the 1:21s.
• Car Issues: Verstappen reported significant issues with his RB21, complaining of "no grip, no traction, and no pace" during qualifying.
• Points Gain: Despite reducing his deficit from 40 to 36 points overall, Verstappen noted he lost 10 points to Lando Norris in Mexico alone, stating, "everything needs to go perfect to win. And this weekend didn't go perfect."
• Mexico's Unique Challenges: The Mexico City Grand Prix's high altitude (2,238 meters above sea level) results in thinner air, impacting car cooling and power unit performance. The slippery asphalt surface further contributes to cornering issues.

Between the Lines:

Verstappen's comments reveal a deeper concern within the Red Bull camp. While Mexico's unique conditions often make it an outlier, his frustration suggests a broader need to understand why the RB21 struggled so significantly. The 'tough' admission indicates that even a four-time champion can be pushed to the limits by an uncooperative car and a fiercely competitive field.

What's next:

Verstappen hopes the remaining tracks will suit the RB21 better, allowing him to avoid a repeat of the Mexico struggles. The focus will be on Red Bull understanding and addressing the car's inconsistencies to ensure they are competitive "in every scenario" as they head into the final crucial races of the season.