# Red Bull Boss Praises Max Verstappen's Brazil Podium

> Red Bull boss says Max Verstappen beats simulations by moving from 21st to second in Brazil.
- Title: Red Bull Boss Praises Max Verstappen's Brazil Podium
- Summary: Red Bull boss says Max Verstappen beats simulations by moving from 21st to second in Brazil.
- Keywords: red bull racing, max verstappen, brazil grand prix, formula 1, sao paulo, interlagos, power unit, ford, mercedes, kimi antonelli, george russell, lewis hamilton
- Source: Motorsport — https://motorsport.com/f1/news/red-bull-boss-hails-max-verstappens-brazil-podium-hes-beating-the-sim-on-a-regular-basis/10873193
- Author: Lydia Mee
- Published: 2026-11-08T23:11:39+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: red bull racing, max verstappen, brazil grand prix, formula 1, sao paulo, interlagos, power unit, ford, mercedes, kimi antonelli, george russell, lewis hamilton
## Red Bull Boss Hails Max Verstappen
Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies admitted no simulation could predict Max Verstappen's charge from 21st to second in Brazil.

> He's beating the sim on a regular basis
## Verstappen's Brazil Podium Drive
Verstappen started near the back after an engine penalty but drove impressively to the podium.
## Simulations vs. Real Performance
Mekies said no simulation could predict Verstappen's 14-place jump in five laps.

> As always, I think no sim in the world will predict that you will go from P21 to P2 or that you get 14 places in five laps
## Power Unit Transition
Red Bull switched to Red Bull Powertrains developed with Ford after ending Honda partnership.
## Current Standings
Verstappen leads with 279 points, ahead of Russell at 262, Hamilton at 261, and Leclerc at 249.
## Key takeaway

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies says Max Verstappen's rise from 21st to second in Brazil's Grand Prix defies simulations.