Max Verstappen Stunned by Rivals’ Strategic Choices at Mexico City GP!
In a breathtaking twist at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Max Verstappen found himself astonished by the strategic decisions of his competitors, as the Red Bull star ventured into the race armed with a unique tire strategy that would ultimately pay off. While most of the top ten competitors opted for soft tires at the start, Verstappen boldly began the race on medium tires, a gamble that allowed him to extend his first stint and finish with a remarkable set of softs. This pivotal choice propelled him to the podium in what he termed a “difficult” weekend.
As the race unfolded, many of Verstappen’s adversaries were forced to make multiple pit stops after their initial soft tire strategies backfired, while the Dutch driver showcased his exceptional race management skills. He gained crucial positions in the closing laps, proving that patience and strategy can triumph over mere speed. Reflecting on his performance, Verstappen admitted that he struggled early on with grip and found it challenging to keep pace with the cars ahead, even doubting he would secure a podium finish.
The race’s chaotic start saw Verstappen embroiled in a battle alongside Lando Norris and the Ferrari duo, explaining how his car made contact with the track limits while navigating the curbs, forcing him into a risky maneuver reminiscent of a rally stage between the first two corners. His candid reflections revealed a driver who was not only aware of the stakes but also adaptable in the face of adversity.
Verstappen expressed his surprise that more teams did not follow Red Bull’s lead in tire strategy, stating, “I was very surprised. I didn’t even think of starting on soft tires. I didn’t expect to finish on the podium. During the first stint, it felt like we were slow and struggling with the tires.”
As the race progressed, the tire switch to softs changed the dynamics completely. “When we switched to the softs and others were still on mediums, everything felt a bit more competitive. Not quite at the level of Lando, but the softs were clearly the best compound to race on. Finishing third in a tough weekend is very good,” he noted.
In a thrilling account of the race start, Verstappen described his excellent launch: “We all followed in the slipstream, three or four cars side by side. I had to move left several times and ended up on the curb. The car started hitting the bottom, and I had to go wide. It was a bit of a ‘rally’ between turns one and two. After that, we got back on track and the race stabilized.”
With the Mexico City Grand Prix now behind him, Verstappen’s strategic prowess and resilience shone through, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying season finale. Fans and commentators alike will be eager to see how the young champion adapts to the challenges ahead as he continues to blaze a trail in the world of Formula 1.












