Bernie Collins spotted ‘not normal’ problem in Max Verstappen’s Red Bull data at Mexican Grand Prix

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Bernie Collins identified something ‘not normal’ in Max Verstappen’s data during qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix as the Dutchman registered his worst grid slot since before the start of the summer break.

Verstappen will start Sunday’s Grand Prix from fifth on the grid, after previously taking pole position in four of the previous five races across all formats.

It’s the Red Bull star’s worst grid slot since his P8 start at the Hungarian Grand Prix in August, and the slip-up couldn’t have come at a worse time as he sets his sights on spoiling McLaren’s drivers’ championship hopes.

Verstappen’s performance throughout the three sessions during Saturday’s shootout was highly uncharacteristic, with his Q1 lap, which was the ninth fastest time on the grid, catching the eye of Collins.

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Bernie Collins saw a ‘not normal’ issue with Max Verstappen’s RB21 during qualifying in Mexico

Red Bull arrived in Mexico with more upgrades for the RB21 in hopes of continuing the 28-year-old’s purple patch, which has seen him win three out of the last four Grands Prix.

However, the reprofiled floor and engine cover did not perform as fruitfully as they expected, with Verstappen failing to get the upper hand over his title rivals when it mattered the most.

Speaking as part of Sky Sports F1’s coverage of qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix, Collins noted, “Norris is still leaning over both [Leclerc and Verstappen] through the high-speed [corners]. He’s very, very strong through there.

“Verstappen is very slow in turn seven as well. So Verstappen, there’s a lot to improve, which is not normal for Verstappen through that high-speed section.”

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Sam Bird highlighted how Max Verstappen’s Q1 lap didn’t ‘flow’ like it usually does for the Red Bull star

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s coverage of qualifying, Formula E star Sam Bird shared a similar sentiment to Collins in his analysis of Verstappen’s final lap in the first of the three shootout sessions.

He said: “The lap just didn’t flow like it normally does for him. You normally watch laps on board with Max Verstappen, and they look seamless.

“They look almost perfect. And that looked challenging, difficult to drive, very snappy, mid-corner turn nine. Looked like he left a little bit on the table in the final sector, as well.

“He was still able to scramble it across the line, and at the time, go into third place in Q1. But it just didn’t flow as naturally as it normally always does.”