Max Verstappen will tackle the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Sao Paulo on Sunday from the pit lane. The reason for this is a weak qualifying, in which the four-time world champion was eliminated in Q1.
The Red Bull driver only finished 16th in qualifying and then complained about a lack of grip. Teammate Yuki Tsunoda also couldn’t get past 19th place, meaning Red Bull wasn’t represented by a car in Q2 for the first time since the 2006 Japanese Grand Prix.
“There’s just no grip,” said Verstappen. “We changed a few things on the car, but it didn’t work. Something is fundamentally wrong with us. Normally you feel a reaction when you change the set-up, but this time nothing.”
Verstappen even switched back to the old underbody in qualifying, but without success. Red Bull then decided to subsequently modify the car and install new drivetrain components, including probably a new engine.
Since this violates the parc ferme rules, Verstappen has to start the Grand Prix from the pit lane. The team takes the opportunity to try out an alternative setup and analyze possible causes for the poor performance.
After his early exit, Verstappen was disappointed and said he could “forget” the title. Nevertheless, the decision to start from the pits is aimed at preserving his chances in the World Cup standings.
After Lando Norris’ sprint victory, Verstappen’s gap to the McLaren driver is now 39 points. Norris will start the race at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace from pole position. The Brit had already won the sprint on Saturday, in which Verstappen finished fourth.