Verstappen says Red Bull engine braking was inconsistent in Mexico

Max Verstappen says Red Bull’s engine braking behaved inconsistently in Mexico, where he complained about it over team radio. He had also described an inconsistent feeling behind the wheel in Austin.

At the post-race press conference, Verstappen said, “It happens randomly,” and joked that he might need a “conversation with the engine” before a race. He said he did not know why it happened, but thought everything was running hot, including the turbocharger, making it difficult to get everything working precisely.

Verstappen sees engine braking as one of several areas for improvement in the DM01, Red Bull’s first power unit built in-house. Team principal Laurent Mekies, meanwhile, called Mexico a unique challenge and said the power unit had worked well at altitude.