Mekies: No simulator could predict Verstappen's P21-to-P2 Brazil charge

Laurent Mekies says Max Verstappen's climb from P21 to second at the São Paulo Grand Prix was beyond what any simulator could foresee. Verstappen started 21st after a grid penalty. Mekies said no simulator could predict the recovery or a 14-place gain in five laps, and added that Verstappen regularly outdoes the simulator.

Red Bull had expected a difficult race in the treacherous conditions and aimed for points, perhaps even a podium. Hadjar started fifth and finished third, joining Verstappen on the podium.

The race was not problem-free: Verstappen faced a change in balance, while Hadjar had some difficulty with the conditions. Mekies also praised Hadjar, saying this was probably his best Red Bull race in terms of pure pace and highlighting his performance on both dry and wet-weather tyres. He added that Hadjar had produced other strong races, including Baku.