How Verstappen outperformed Red Bull’s simulations in Brazil

Red Bull Team Principal Laurent Mekies has praised Max Verstappen for an extraordinary recovery from 21st on the grid to second at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, noting that the Dutchman's pace defied pre-race simulator predictions. Verstappen faced a back-of-the-grid start due to an unplanned power unit penalty following a small issue on Friday, but he managed to slice through the field brilliantly despite struggling with the RB22's car balance on both dry and intermediate tires. Mekies also commended Isack Hadjar for a stellar performance, securing a solid third place and displaying impressive pure pace in difficult conditions. While Verstappen received team support with Hadjar letting him through, Mekies explained that swapping positions back later was not feasible as the cars drifted apart and rain intensified. Reflecting on the broader championship picture, Mekies acknowledged that McLaren and Lando Norris held a slight pace advantage over Red Bull at Interlagos. He highlighted that the intense competition among the top four teams demonstrates how quickly the field is converging under the current regulations, creating a thrilling environment where precision execution is vital.