P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has explained the cause of the puncture Max Verstappen suffered early on in the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko explained that Max Verstappen’s puncture at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix was due to a slow-developing front-right deflation during a Virtual Safety Car period.
Starting from the pit lane with a new power unit and car alterations, Verstappen overcame his poor qualifying to finish third in the race.
Marko admitted underestimating Verstappen’s performance, initially expecting him to finish between fifth and seventh.
The strategist expressed gratitude for the timely Virtual Safety Car, which didn’t disrupt Verstappen’s charge to the podium.
The puncture was caused by carbon debris from other cars colliding, leading to an unexpected tyre change and altered race strategy for Verstappen.
