Nov.10 (GMM) Max Verstappen produced one of the drives of the season in Brazil, storming from the pitlane to the podium after a disastrous qualifying that left him P16 – prompting a gamble on a pitlane start and big setup change.
“That was damage limitation at the highest level,” Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko told ORF, as the reigning quadruple world champion clawed back crucial points in a race that at least keeps his title chances alive.
But the recurring question – why Red Bull’s form swings so wildly – remains unanswered. Former driver Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland that the problem lies in the Pirelli tyres.
“I spoke with Jos, who said that you can’t imagine how difficult it is to get these tyres into their optimal operating window,” Schumacher said. “That would explain why Mercedes and sometimes McLaren have problems.
“Nevertheless, that shouldn’t be the case for a top team that has won so many world championships.”
Marko agreed. “We need to widen the operating window,” he admitted.
“If it’s four degrees warmer, the car already starts to slip. There’s a discrepancy between simulation and reality – I hope we can sort that out for the final races.
“Unfortunately, we lost another 10 points to Norris.”
Despite the frustration, Verstappen’s recovery drive impressed the paddock. Brazil has often been a happy hunting ground for the Dutchman, and once again he sliced through the field with apparent ease.
“I don’t know why,” Verstappen smiled. “It’s not a particularly long circuit. It actually has eight corners, but you have to be very precise and drive cleanly. It’s tough on the tyres. I don’t know myself – it always feels good, though.”
Even Lando Norris, who dominated the weekend to extend his championship lead, acknowledged Verstappen’s brilliance.
“To be honest, seeing how quick Max was today – I’m pretty disappointed we weren’t quicker,” the McLaren driver told reporters.
Verstappen, though, has long accepted that his title chances were slipping away. “We didn’t lose the championship here,” he told Viaplay on Sunday. “We lost the championship from race one until Zandvoort.
“We had a lot of weekends where we simply weren’t quick enough. Then you have good moments where you get some points back, but not enough. That’s how the season goes.”
Still, Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies insists the team will fight to the end. “The most important thing is that the car came back to life,” he said. “We were able to fight again and set good lap times.
“We’re trying to give him a more relaxed weekend in Las Vegas – but with the speed we had here on Sunday.”
The Monaco Grand Prix, often called the crown jewel of Formula 1, is one of the most prestigious races in the world and part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport alongside the Indy 500 and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Starting in 2026, the race will move from May to June to better align with the F1 schedule, placing the Canadian Grand Prix earlier in the season. Grand Prix Tours has taken care of all of the details and has arranged an amazing motorsports vacation. Call 949 719 3350 to book your trip or to contact us with any questions.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 2026 Austrian Grand Prix at the iconic Red Bull Ring; a fan favorite that rarely disappoints. Set in Austria’s stunning Styrian Hills, this scenic circuit is famous for its dramatic elevation changes and thrilling uphill turns. We’ve planned every detail so you can relax and enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours at the legendary Silverstone Circuit for the 2026 British Grand Prix; the birthplace of modern F1. This isn’t just race weekend; you’ll visit the British Motor Museum, explore the Silverstone Museum, and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Oracle Red Bull Racing Factory. With over 40 years of experience hosting this trip, we’ve thought of every detail for the ultimate F1 fan experience.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours for the 32nd Goodwood Festival of Speed in the South of England, a long summer weekend celebrating the greatest moments in motorsport. Held at the magnificent Goodwood House, this world-renowned event showcases an unparalleled collection of historic and modern racing cars from the past 125 years. We’ve taken care of every detail so you can enjoy an unforgettable motorsport getaway.
SHOW PACKAGES
Grand Prix Tours delivers the ultimate 2026 Belgian Grand Prix experience on July 19 at the legendary Spa-Francorchamps. Famed for its stunning setting, rich racing history, and iconic corners like Eau Rouge, Spa offers one of Formula 1’s most thrilling weekends, complete with unpredictable weather and nonstop action. With only a one-year contract in place, this could be your last chance to witness F1 at this historic circuit.
SHOW PACKAGES
Experience Northern Italy like a true motorsport insider on our Italian Extravaganza, the perfect lead-in to the Italian Grand Prix. Journey through the heart of Italy’s legendary supercar region with exclusive access and behind-the-scenes insights into iconic brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Pagani, and more. Along the way, enjoy a unique visit to a family-run balsamic vinegar producer for an authentic tasting experience. For car enthusiasts, this is the ultimate way to elevate your Italian Grand Prix weekend.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Northern Italy for the unforgettable 2026 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. With over 95 years of racing history, passionate Ferrari fans, and electrifying post-race celebrations, Monza delivers one of the most thrilling weekends in motorsport. Enjoy a seamless experience with accommodations in stunning Como, airport and track transfers, and an exclusive pre-race dinner with a racing celebrity, backed by our 40+ years of expertise at this iconic event.
SHOW PACKAGES
Join Grand Prix Tours in Austin, Texas for the high-energy 2026 United States Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas. Experience nonstop action on one of Formula 1’s most exciting tracks, featuring dramatic elevation changes, thrilling overtakes, and a packed race weekend. Off the track, enjoy a festival atmosphere with live music, world-famous BBQ, and buzzing nightlife. Your Grand Prix Tours package includes a fully curated race weekend, highlighted by exclusive access to our private F1 Celebrity Talk Show, where guests gain insider insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives. With demand soaring and this event quickly becoming a modern American racing tradition, now is the time to secure your spot for an unforgettable Austin Grand Prix experience.
SHOW PACKAGES