Verstappen's 'Incredibly Stupid' Tire Advice Led to Bortoleto's Mexico City Points

Gabriel Bortoleto, racing for Sauber, scored points at the Mexico City Grand Prix, thanks in part to an unconventional tire strategy suggested by Red Bull's Max Verstappen. This surprising advice, initially met with skepticism by Bortoleto's engineers, ultimately paid off for both drivers.

Why it matters:

An unexpected tire strategy, especially one so aggressively championed by a top driver like Verstappen, highlights the crucial role of tactical decisions in Formula 1. For a developing driver like Bortoleto, trusting a champion's insight, even against team advice, can be a career-defining moment, demonstrating adaptability and a willingness to take calculated risks. It also shows the unique, informal mentorship that can occur between drivers across different teams.

The Details:

• The Advice: Before the Mexico City Grand Prix, Verstappen advised Bortoleto, his friend and fellow sim racer, to start on medium tires instead of the softer compound Bortoleto initially favored.
• Bortoleto's Initial Plan: Bortoleto, who qualified 16th, intended to start on soft tires to gain positions in Turn 1.
• Verstappen's Warning: Verstappen reportedly told Bortoleto, "Don't f***ing do that! Cook the tyres in five laps," emphasizing the soft tires' rapid degradation on the Mexico City track.
• Engineer's Reaction: When Bortoleto informed his Sauber engineers of his decision to switch to mediums, they were reportedly frustrated, having spent hours preparing a soft-tire strategy. Verstappen's own Red Bull team also found his and Bortoleto's choice puzzling, as they were the only two drivers to start on mediums.
• The Outcome: Both Verstappen and Bortoleto benefited from the medium tire start. Verstappen moved from fifth to third, closing the gap in the title race, while Bortoleto climbed from 16th to 10th, scoring his first points in four race weekends.
• Verstappen's Justification: Verstappen explained that the medium tire allowed them to "survive in the first stint to be on the worst tyre of the two," giving them better pace and grip in the crucial second stint to make overtakes.
• Ongoing Mentorship: Bortoleto confirmed that Verstappen has been helping him since his Formula 3 days, providing advice and support on his path to Formula 1, including sim racing together.

What's next:

This incident underscores the value of informal networks and personal relationships within the highly competitive world of Formula 1. For Bortoleto, successfully executing a risky strategy based on a champion's advice could boost his confidence and strategic acumen. It also provides a compelling narrative for fans about the human element behind race day decisions, showcasing how individual insights, even those initially deemed "incredibly stupid," can profoundly impact race outcomes.