Max Verstappen: Weather puzzles in Brazil and an antivirus programme

This run of form is absolutely brilliant: since the Barcelona Grand Prix in mid-June, Max Verstappen has finished on the podium in every race where there have been no technical problems (Silverstone) or accidents (Zandvoort). Of the last four World Championship races, the Red Bull Racing star has won three – the Bahrain Grand Prix in Malaysia, the Singapore Night Grand Prix and the spectacular Mexican Grand Prix.

Clearly, anyone in the paddock with their wits about them believes Max is capable of victory in Brazil too. Especially as the weather forecasts are grim, and we’ve seen some outstanding displays of driving from Verstappen, particularly on a wet track or in mixed conditions.

But that doesn’t mean everything is plain sailing at RBR. “The starts have been consistent all year – consistently bad, that is,” Max said in Mexico. “I was surprised myself that we then had two standing starts at the Mexican Grand Prix that went well.”

However, the starts are just one area in need of improvement, about which team principal Laurent Mekies says: “To sort this out, we need changes to both software and hardware, and that won’t be fully resolved until 2027.”

In Mexico, it was noticeable that Max complained over the radio about the engine braking on his Red Bull Powertrains/Ford power unit. The 74-time Grand Prix winner commented: “It happens randomly, as if the engine wanted to decide for itself what it’s doing. Perhaps I should have a word with it before a race! Maybe then it’ll behave a bit better.”

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Ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, the 2019, 2023 and 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix winner added: “To be honest – with all the problems at the start of the season, I wouldn’t have thought we’d win these races and now be sitting in P2 in the World Championship.”

“Everything here will come down to who gets the set-up spot on. That has to be our aim in practice.”

“Interlagos is a magnificent circuit for great racing. Every now and then there are some crazy races, partly because of the unpredictable weather. I’ve been able to pull off some brilliant comebacks here, precisely because of the weather.”

“The reason we always experience exciting Grands Prix here is that these corners allow for different lines; you can attack cleverly or set yourself up to take on an opponent for the next corner. What’s more, tyre wear is high, which always makes for good racing. And have I mentioned the weather yet?”

The last time we had rain, there was a software disaster when some cars came to a standstill. The FIA has since stepped up its programming efforts, and corresponding tests have also been carried out during races. Everything seems to be in the clear.

Max grins, much to the amusement of those present: “I’ve got no problem, because I’ve installed an antivirus programme in my car.”