Laurent Mekies reveals: These rivals could snatch victory from Verstappen

During qualifying at the Circuit of the Americas, Max Verstappen and his Red Bull Racing team were hoping for another pole position for the four-time world champion. In the end, however, they had to settle for second place. Championship leader Kimi Antonelli in the Mercedes had secured the best starting position. He lapped the Texan circuit 0.179 seconds faster than the Dutchman.

At least Verstappen can look forward to the support of his team-mate Isack Hadjar at the start. The Frenchman, who had struggled to find his rhythm in free practice, secured third place on the grid. Antonelli’s team-mate George Russell, on the other hand, finished in sixth position. He emphasised: “Having Max on the front row and Isack right behind him in third is a good starting position for the race; it gives us the chance to be in the fight at the front.”

At the same time, however, the engineer also cautioned: “I think Max was in the running for pole position and, of course, the question arises as to what might have been possible, but congratulations to Kimi and Mercedes on their performance today. I think we’ll have five, six or even more drivers in the race who can fight for victory.”

Red Bull Racing team principal Laurent Mekies has several rivals in his sights

And the Frenchman listed them: “We’ve seen that Ferrari were very quick at the start of the weekend. And Mercedes were really quick out there today. I hope, of course, that we can keep up at the front, but I’m sure that in this long race that lies ahead of us, we’ll have several cars in the leading group.”

Mekies knows that one issue will be of particular concern to the engineers: “The big question is how tyre degradation will play out. Tyre management will make all the difference. Because it’s one thing to be fast over a single lap, but it’s a completely different matter when it comes to surviving in race trim and keeping tyre wear under control – particularly on the rear axle – on this track with its bumps. I’m curious to see whether we’ll see different strategies.”

Topic of the week

Topic of the week: MotoGP’s new schedule proved highly controversial

In 2027, MotoGP will also enter the 850cc era with a new schedule. It was not so much the changes themselves as the way the decisions were reached that caused a stir. A prime example of: ‘Talking helps’.

Read More

TV Program

Today

Austin: Das Rennen

FIA Formula One World Championship

25.10.2026 - 19:30