Verstappen Alarmed by Red Bull's Poor Long-Run Pace in Mexico

Max Verstappen topped the timesheets in Mexico's second free practice, but beneath the surface, Red Bull is sounding the alarm. McLaren showed significantly better long-run pace, raising concerns for the reigning champions ahead of Sunday's Grand Prix.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's struggles with long-run performance in Mexico could be a critical factor in the championship battle. While Verstappen's single-lap speed is undeniable, a lack of consistent race pace, particularly compared to a surging McLaren, threatens their dominance and could open the door for rivals to challenge for victory on Sunday.

The details:

• Verstappen clocked the fastest lap in FP2 with a 1:17.392, outpacing Charles Leclerc and significantly ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
• Despite the headline time, Verstappen described the single-lap performance on soft tires as "good, but the rest was pretty bad," specifically pointing to a lack of grip in long runs.
• Long-Run Struggles: Verstappen reported feeling "like driving on ice," especially on the medium compound, where the RB21 struggled to get tires up to temperature.
• McLaren's Advantage: In contrast, McLaren's MCL39 demonstrated consistent and tire-friendly performance in long runs, prompting Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko to warn that Norris could "drive away from us" if the current form holds.
• Track Conditions: The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, with its 2,200-meter altitude, smooth asphalt, thin air, and unique cooling demands, is a particularly challenging circuit.
• Cooling Experiment: Red Bull tested a new cooling layout exclusively on Verstappen's car, while teammate Yuki Tsunoda retained the older setup.

Between the lines:

Verstappen's frustration during practice, where he radioed "It's like I'm driving on ice," highlights the severity of Red Bull's grip issues. While Helmut Marko remained outwardly calm, suggesting setup changes could improve the situation, Verstappen's blunt assessment – "You don't win a race like this" – underscores his concern. This isn't a new problem for Red Bull, which has occasionally shown strong qualifying pace but struggled with race-long tire degradation.

What's next:

Red Bull hopes to resolve the balance issues through setup adjustments, though the limited operating window for tires on this high-altitude track presents a challenge. A glimmer of hope emerged from better long-run performance on the soft compound, suggesting a bold soft-hard tire strategy could be a key consideration for Sunday's race. If McLaren maintains its long-run strength, Lando Norris could pose a serious threat to Red Bull's ambitions in Mexico.