Red Bull Hails “Hound Dog” Max Verstappen After Stunning Mexico City GP Comeback
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko has praised Max Verstappen for delivering what he called an “incredible catch-up race” at the Mexico City Grand Prix, describing the Dutch driver as a “hound dog” for his relentless pursuit through the field after early setbacks.
The race at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez was anything but straightforward for Verstappen. Starting from fifth on the grid, he immediately launched an aggressive charge toward the front when the lights went out. Heading into Turn 1, he found himself battling for the lead but was pushed wide and forced to take evasive action across the grass. Verstappen rejoined the track at Turn 3, losing ground and dropping to fourth.
Despite the early drama, the four-time world champion quickly regained his composure. He began attacking Lewis Hamilton for third place, and after a penalty was handed to one of the Ferrari drivers for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, Verstappen moved up the order. Yet, while his car showed pace, the medium tyres he started on proved to be a major obstacle. Verstappen struggled to extract the grip he needed to close in on the front runners, and Red Bull decided to change strategy.
When Verstappen switched to soft tyres during his only pit stop, the dynamic of his race transformed dramatically. The Dutchman’s pace on the red-marked tyres was electric — cutting through the field with precision and aggression. Within laps, he had slashed a 20-second gap to Charles Leclerc, closing in on the Ferrari driver in second place. The comeback drew admiration from his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, who described Verstappen’s final stint as “insane.”
However, Verstappen’s hopes of securing second place were dashed by an untimely Virtual Safety Car late in the race. The incident was triggered by Carlos Sainz’s stranded Williams, which neutralized the race and prevented Verstappen from capitalizing on his momentum. Despite that setback, his recovery drive earned plaudits throughout the paddock.
Speaking to Sky Germany after the race, Helmut Marko couldn’t hide his admiration for Verstappen’s determination and raw speed. “Max drove an incredible catch-up race,” said the Red Bull advisor. “He was on average five to six-tenths of a second faster per lap, and we were completely convinced that he would still take second place. Unfortunately, Carlos Sainz gave Ferrari a kind of late farewell gift.”
Verstappen’s performance wasn’t just about recovery — it was about keeping his championship hopes alive. By finishing ahead of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, Verstappen managed to reduce his deficit in the drivers’ standings, which is now led by Lando Norris. The Dutchman trails by 36 points, keeping him firmly in the title fight as the season heads into its final stretch.
For Red Bull, the race also served as proof of the team’s strong underlying pace. Despite a challenging weekend setup-wise, Verstappen’s relentless drive reminded everyone of why he remains one of Formula 1’s fiercest competitors.
Marko emphasized that the team was aware Verstappen would come alive once he found his rhythm. “We knew that once Max was in form, everything else would be forgotten,” he said. “He’s like a hound dog — when the race pace is there, he just goes all out.”
The Mexico City Grand Prix ultimately showcased Verstappen’s resilience and fighting spirit — qualities that have defined his career. Even without a podium finish, his charge through the field and the sheer determination he displayed left both Red Bull and fans worldwide in awe.
With several races still remaining in the 2025 season, Verstappen’s hunger for victory remains undiminished. If his performance in Mexico was any indication, the reigning champion may yet have a few more stunning comebacks up his sleeve as he hunts down Norris in the battle for the world championship.
