Mekies says debris and balance issues cost Verstappen second in Austin

After the United States Grand Prix, Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies attributed Max Verstappen’s loss of second place to debris damage and problems with the car’s balance. Verstappen finished third behind race winner Kimi Antonelli.

Mekies said Verstappen’s car hit debris around lap eight and sustained damage. Other issues hurt its balance, he said, linking them to a drop in pace and increased tyre degradation that left Verstappen unable to hold on to second.

Mekies added that Red Bull lacked enough pace to fight Antonelli, whom he praised for a very strong race.

Verstappen’s team-mate Isack Hadjar’s race was also compromised by his start and other problems, Mekies said. The team was working to improve its starts, he added.