Mekies says Verstappen is beating the simulator in São Paulo

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies says Max Verstappen is regularly beating the simulator, after the Dutchman climbed from 21st on the grid to second at the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Verstappen's weekend was disrupted by an unexpected power unit problem that forced a grid penalty. Despite this, he made up 14 places in five laps. Mekies said no simulation could predict such a gain, and noted that it was Verstappen's third successive strong result at Interlagos, following a win from 17th in 2024 and a podium from the pit lane a year ago.

Mekies also said the grid penalty was frustrating, given the pace seen in practice and qualifying, but described the first year of the Red Bull Powertrains and Ford partnership as an extraordinary achievement. He added that power unit issues are part of the sport.