Verstappen's Title Charge Hits Snag in Mexico: 'Undriveable' Car and Grim Race Forecast

Max Verstappen admitted his car was "undriveable" throughout qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix, describing his Saturday struggles as "bizarre" and warning that things could get even worse in Sunday's race. The four-time world champion, who qualified a lowly fifth, expressed deep frustration with the car's lack of balance and grip.

Why it matters:

• A dominant season for Verstappen has hit an unexpected roadblock, potentially opening the door for rivals to challenge for a rare victory.
• The struggles highlight the razor-thin margins in F1 and how quickly a team's performance can change, even for the most dominant.
• This unexpected downturn could provide valuable insights into Red Bull's car characteristics under specific conditions, like Mexico's high altitude.

The details:

• Verstappen finished only fifth on the grid, a significant underperformance for the reigning champion.
• "Undriveable" Car: Verstappen described his RB21 as having "no balance, no grip either," stating that "not one lap felt good."
• Sector 2 Struggles: He specifically pointed out the second sector, known for its fast corners, as "bizarre, bizarre bad." The car was bottoming out and experiencing excessive oversteer.
• Confidence Evaporated: His confidence from final practice quickly disappeared once qualifying began, indicating a shift in competitive balance.
• Grim Race Forecast: Verstappen bluntly stated, "I expect it to get worse tomorrow," referring to the race, based on his poor long-run performance in practice.
• Red Bull's Compromise: Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko confirmed that a raised ride height, implemented for race stability, contributed to the car being "too high" in Mexico's fast middle sector, costing Verstappen time against competitors like Lando Norris.

The big picture:

Verstappen's struggles in Mexico are a rare sight in a season he has largely dominated. This weekend's performance deviation from his usual front-running form suggests unique challenges posed by the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez circuit, particularly its high altitude and how it affects aerodynamic downforce and engine performance. While it's unlikely to derail his championship, it's a stark reminder that even the best can face unexpected hurdles.

What's next:

• Sunday's race will be a critical test of Verstappen's ability to manage a challenging car and Red Bull's strategic prowess in damage limitation.
• The team will need to analyze the data meticulously to understand why their pre-qualifying confidence turned into such a significant struggle, especially with race pace concerns.
• Rivals will be looking to capitalize on Red Bull's uncharacteristic vulnerability, making for a potentially thrilling Mexico City Grand Prix.