Red Bull's hopes for Mexican Grand Prix glory suffered a devastating blow as reigning world champion Max Verstappen could only manage a disappointing sixth place in qualifying, leaving the Dutchman and his team deeply concerned about their performance deficit to rivals McLaren.
Shocking Qualifying Session Stuns F1 Paddock
The Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez witnessed one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season as both McLaren drivers comprehensively outperformed the championship leader. Lando Norris secured a stunning pole position with teammate Oscar Piastri completing a McLaren front-row lockout, while Verstappen struggled throughout the session.
'The pace they have is just unacceptable,' Verstappen fumed after the session. 'We are way too slow. I don't expect miracles for tomorrow - we know we are struggling.'
Red Bull's Mexico City Nightmare Unfolds
From the first practice sessions, it became apparent that Red Bull faced significant challenges with their car's setup at the high-altitude circuit. The RB20 appeared to struggle with balance and tyre management, particularly in the crucial final sector where McLaren demonstrated superior performance.
Verstappen's frustration was palpable as he radioed his team during qualifying: 'I have no grip, the car is bouncing everywhere.' The issues marked a dramatic contrast to his dominant performances earlier in the season.
McLaren's Remarkable Turnaround Continues
Meanwhile, McLaren's impressive development progress reached new heights with their first front-row lockout since 2012. Lando Norris's pole position lap demonstrated the MCL38's exceptional performance in thin air conditions, with the British driver looking confident for Sunday's race.
'The car has been phenomenal all weekend,' Norris beamed. 'We knew this track would suit our package, but to lock out the front row is beyond our expectations.'
Race Day Implications for Championship Battle
With Verstappen starting from the third row, Sunday's Mexican Grand Prix presents a significant challenge for the Red Bull driver. The tight and technical nature of the Mexico City circuit makes overtaking difficult, potentially putting Verstappen's championship points lead at risk.
Team principal Christian Horner acknowledged the concerns: 'We have some serious work to do overnight. Starting P6 here is far from ideal, but Max will fight until the very end.'
The stage is set for a thrilling battle between the resurgent McLaren team and the struggling championship leaders, with Ferrari and Mercedes also poised to capitalise on Red Bull's unexpected difficulties.
