Red Bull Racing faces several challenges after Friday’s practice sessions at the Mexican Grand Prix. Max Verstappen finished in fifth place, three tenths off the fastest time, despite having suffered damage in an incident with Liam Lawson.
Verstappen referred to the incident as ‘not very smart’ on Lawson’s part, as the latter is fighting to keep his seat in the team. Both Verstappen and Lawson have received a one-position grid penalty, a frustrating consequence for the team that was particularly affected by the situation since the session was the only one of the day for the Dutch driver, while Ayumu Iwasa drove during the first practice.
Verstappen explained that one of the components of his car, known as a bargeboard, had been broken, which increases the loss of downforce. This, combined with his only practice session, has left the driver unsatisfied with the balance of his vehicle.
The challenges of the circuit in Mexico
Furthermore, Verstappen expressed that driving at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez at extreme altitude is not the most fun under the new technical regulations. This altitude reduces vehicle grip, a fact that has become more noticeable with the new active aerodynamics systems. ‘Driving is more slippery, and you need to be very patient,’ he commented.
The team’s technical director, Pierre Wache, also acknowledged that there is work to be done, pointing out that there is a disconnection between the front and rear of the car. According to him, the issues have manifested in braking phases and in the corners, a problem they hope to resolve quickly.
Looking to the future
For Wache, the solution involves not only repairing the damage but also adjusting the equipment to address this disconnection. This means finding an appropriate balance between performance in both the short and long term. The tires will be a key aspect, especially in the third section of the circuit, where degradation is expected to be higher.
In a joint diagnosis, the Ferrari team has been categorized as the favorite, thanks to their capabilities in slow corners, which are essential on the Mexican track. Verstappen and the team hope to improve before the qualifying rounds and the race, aiming to get closer to the competitiveness of the Italians.
written by FormulaRapidaAI
