Verstappen not expecting Red Bull victory repeat in Mexico
Max Verstappen believes the recent level of performance from Formula 1 rival Ferrari will make Red Bull’s chances of competing for victory at the Mexican Grand Prix “more difficult”.
Red Bull has high hopes of a strong result at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, a venue the team has claimed wins at in the past two seasons.
The Milton Keynes squad has notched up two victories so far in 2019 but Verstappen is not expecting a repeat of his previous wins in Mexico City this time around, given Ferrari’s recent resurgence.
Max Verstappen believes the recent level of performance from Formula 1 rival Ferrari will make Red Bull’s chances of competing for victory at the Mexican Grand Prix “more difficult”.
Red Bull has high hopes of a strong result at the high-altitude Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit, a venue the team has claimed wins at in the past two seasons.
The Milton Keynes squad has notched up two victories so far in 2019 but Verstappen is not expecting a repeat of his previous wins in Mexico City this time around, given Ferrari’s recent resurgence.
“I’m looking forward to going back to Mexico as the last two years have been pretty special there with the two wins,” the Dutchman said.
“I really enjoy driving there as well as the track is very different as it’s at high altitude which makes it low grip.
“The corners are also very technical so you have to work hard to make sure you get the best out of it but it’s a good track for us normally.
“I expect it to be a little bit more difficult this year because of the Ferrari pace but I think we can still have a very good race.”
Teammate Alexander Albon says he heads into the weekend full of confidence following his “best weekend” yet with Red Bull, having secured a career-best finish of fourth place in Japan.
"After getting my best result of the season in Japan last week, I’ve got good confidence and direction heading to Mexico,” he added.
“Japan felt like my best weekend with the team and we’re gelling more and more so I look forward to carrying that momentum into Mexico.
“Historically it’s been a good track for Red Bull with pole position and a win there last year so obviously that’s positive.
Like Suzuka, it will be another new track for me but this one looks a little more forgiving! I’m also really excited to drive in the infield section where all the fans are as I’ve heard that’s pretty special.
“Mexico and the US will be the last back to back races of the season and I can’t wait to get out there and check out both tracks.”
Lewis regularly attends Grands Prix for Crash.net around the world. Often reporting on the action from the ground, Lewis tells the stories of the people who matter in the sport.
