Red Bull’s Mekies Praises Verstappen‘s Monza Mastery, Admits to Unexpected Dominance
MONZA, ITALY – Red Bull Racing’s Laurent Mekies lauded Max Verstappen’s commanding victory at the Italian Grand Prix, acknowledging the team hadn’t anticipated such a notable performance advantage. Verstappen secured the win after a strategic decision to cede the lead to McLaren’s Lando Norris on the opening lap, a move Mekies credited to astute real-time assessment by the pit wall crew.
The win underscores Red Bull’s continued dominance in Formula 1, but Mekies revealed a degree of surprise at the extent of their control at Monza. “With that lower level [of downforce], Max has been very strong and good at pushing us to keep it on the car and to find other solutions to give him the balance back,” Mekies explained. “And the guys have been doing an amazing job in managing that.” He further admitted the team “didn’t expect” quite the level of dominance on show.
A pivotal moment came on lap one when Verstappen briefly cut the chicane, prompting a team order to relinquish the lead to Norris. Verstappen swiftly complied, strategically positioning himself within DRS range. He then overtook Norris on lap four and maintained the lead for the remainder of the race.
“I think it’s always a case-by-case basis,” Mekies said regarding the decision to allow Norris to lead temporarily. “And the guys on the pit wall did a very good job at making their own assumption of the situation.and it’s a difficult decision at that moment, as you can imagine, to ask your drivers to give the lead back.Especially as, at this very moment, you have no idea if you are going to have a pace advantage or not. so, it may as well be your win getting away from you.”
Mekies emphasized the risk involved, stating the team prioritized avoiding a penalty. “That’s what we have done.Max has been astonishing in being able to attack back Lando and pass him. And as it turned out, he put our mind at ease after a few laps.” The victory extends Verstappen’s championship lead and solidifies Red Bull’s position as the team to beat as the season progresses.
