Verstappen’s Mixed Day in Miami: Pole Position Marred by Pit Error
Max Verstappen experienced a tumultuous Saturday at the Miami Grand Prix, securing pole position for the main race but suffering significant setbacks during the sprint race due to an unsafe pit release by Red Bull Racing.
In a media session following qualifying, the four-time world champion expressed a clear focus on the outcomes that matter most. "You can’t change that now. Of course it wasn’t ideal, but ultimately the qualifying after that is the most important," he stated, underlining his commitment to maximizing Sunday’s race potential.
Verstappen showed promise in the sprint race until a controversial pit stop transitioned him from intermediates to slicks. Released into the path of Andrea Kimi Antonelli’s Mercedes, he was forced to take evasive action, resulting in a collision that not only cost him valuable track position but also earned him a 10-second penalty, effectively ruling him out of contention for points.
His frustration was palpable as he acknowledged the need for flawless execution, especially given that the RB21 is currently trailing McLaren in performance. "I came into the garage after the race and of course they already knew it themselves, but you have to understand that I’m not happy about it either," Verstappen remarked.
Red Bull’s driver advisor Helmut Marko confirmed the team’s awareness of the issue, noting a judgment error rather than an equipment malfunction. "You have to press a button, and you have all sorts of references for when you can release it and when not. That went wrong," Marko explained.
Reflecting on the implications for the championship, Verstappen conceded, "That’s true, but they know that too. It really shouldn’t happen, but it does. We need to make sure it doesn’t happen again."
The repeated pit errors have raised questions around team dynamics, particularly following the departure of sporting director Jonathan Wheatley, previously credited with optimizing the Red Bull pit operations. When asked about this correlation, Verstappen responded, "It’s too easy to immediately blame it on that."
As the team prepares for the main race, Red Bull faces mounting pressure to restore its status as the pit lane benchmark as other teams improve their operations. This race will be critical for Verstappen and Red Bull in their pursuit of the championship.
