Verstappen needs to watch out: 'Slipstream in favour of the Mercedes'

F1 News

30 October 2022 at 19:45
Last update 30 October 2022 at 22:10
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  • GPblog.com

Max Verstappen will start from pole position for the first time for the Mexican Grand Prix. According to Helmut Marko, it will be important to have a good start, as the two Mercedes drivers can take advantage of the strong slipstream from P2 and P3.

"It is a great performance and we are happy that he is in pole position, but on the other hand there is a very long straight. The slipstream is in favour of the two Mercedes. Hopefully it will not be too strong", Marko says in conversation with Viaplay.

Mercedes have still not won a race this season, so George Russell and Lewis Hamilton will pull out all the stops from the second and third position. The long straight could provide a big advantage. Marko stresses that it will also be important to pay attention to the equipment, as the high track combined with the hot temperature can quickly cause problems. Several teams have brought upgrades to the cooling system.

Verstappen will need good start

Marko explains what Verstappen will need to secure victory. "A good start and then I think who will take better care of the tyres. The brake temperature is a problem, the engine temperature because we are so high and it is quite hot. Going fast without overheating is the most important thing", says the Red Bull advisor.