From Autosport · Ronald Vording · · 1m 10s
Red Bull's Mexico Strategy Win
Red Bull's quick strategy shift after Austin penalty helped Verstappen win Mexico.
In brief
Red Bull's quick strategy shift after Austin penalty helped Verstappen win Mexico. Red Bull's strategy call to pit with Charles Leclerc's five-second penalty secured Verstappen's Mexico victory. Originally reported by Autosport.
Red Bull's Mexico Strategy Win
Red Bull's quick strategy shift after Austin penalty helped Verstappen win Mexico.
Austin Mistake
Red Bull was not open-minded enough in Austin, sticking to softer compounds and ignoring race changes.
Mexico Strategy Shift
Red Bull immediately pitted with Charles Leclerc's five-second penalty to gain track position.
Track Position Advantage
Red Bull prioritized track position over fresh tyres due to dirty air and power unit regulations.
Verstappen's Race Strategy
Verstappen stayed close to Leclerc despite five-second penalty, using track conditions to his advantage.
“I think Charles just pulled away. I could not really stay with him”
Safety Car Impact
Safety car reset race after Verstappen's long stint on softs, improving his start chances.
Mekies on Strategy
Team principal Laurent Mekies praised Red Bull's strategy execution after Austin errors.
“It was once again an extremely strong execution”
Penalty Length
Red Bull felt five-second penalty was lenient as Leclerc was already five seconds clear.
Verstappen's Victory
Verstappen secured third victory of 2026 season, moving to second in world championship standings.
What it means
Red Bull's strategy call to pit with Charles Leclerc's five-second penalty secured Verstappen's Mexico victory.
