Verstappen Reveals 'Big Problem' with Race Pace in Mexico City

Max Verstappen revealed a "big problem" with his race pace during the opening day of the Mexico City Grand Prix, raising significant concerns for Sunday's main event. Despite topping the second practice session, his long-run performance was notably poor, describing the feeling as "driving on ice." This issue could pose a serious setback to his title charge.

Why it matters:

Max Verstappen, typically dominant, expressed unusual dissatisfaction with his car's long-run performance. This unexpected struggle in Mexico City is a rare concern for the reigning champion, who has otherwise been in formidable form. A strong race pace is crucial for converting pole position into a victory, and any major deficit in this area could jeopardize his chances of closing the gap in the championship standings.

The details:

• Practice Performance: Verstappen sat out FP1, with rookie Arvid Lindblad taking his place. He then went on to top FP2, demonstrating strong single-lap pace on soft tires.
• Long-Run Struggles: The primary issue emerged during long runs, particularly on medium tires, where Verstappen reported a severe lack of grip. He likened the experience to "driving on ice."
• Radio Complaints: His complaints during the long run were the first significant negative feedback since Red Bull introduced a new floor at Monza, suggesting a potentially new challenge with the car's setup or the recent cooling system upgrade for Mexico City.
• New Upgrades: Red Bull introduced a new cooling system package for the Mexico City Grand Prix, though Verstappen indicated the balance wasn't off; rather, it was a fundamental lack of grip.
• Tyre Management: Verstappen noted that the tires were going hot quickly during sustained runs, leading to a complete loss of pace.

Between the lines:

Verstappen's direct admission of a "big problem" is uncharacteristic and highlights the severity of the issue. While Red Bull has been on a dominant streak, high-altitude tracks like Mexico City present unique challenges, particularly for engine cooling and aerodynamic efficiency. The fact that the balance wasn't the issue, but rather a fundamental lack of grip, suggests a deeper problem that will require significant analysis and adjustment from the team before qualifying and the race.

What's next:

• FP3 Importance: The third practice session will be critical for Red Bull to gather more data and make necessary adjustments, as it will be the most representative session in terms of race conditions.
• Championship Implications: Verstappen is currently 40 points behind Oscar Piastri, having significantly reduced a 104-point deficit since Zandvoort. A poor race result in Mexico City could stall his momentum and make his championship comeback even more challenging.
• Focus on Race Pace: Verstappen emphasized that single-lap pace is irrelevant if race pace is absent, preferring to be fast in the race over qualifying. Red Bull's engineers will be working tirelessly to diagnose and resolve the long-run issues.

If Red Bull can quickly identify and rectify the underlying cause of the grip issues, Verstappen still has the potential to contend. However, if the problem persists, it could mark a significant and rare setback for the Dutchman in his pursuit of the title.