Max Verstappen to Start F1 Brazil Gp from Pitlane

Max Verstappen’s Unusual Pitlane Start

In an unexpected turn of events, Max Verstappen will start the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix from the pitlane. This decision comes after his poor performance in qualifying, where he was shockingly eliminated in Q1.

Qualifying and Performance Issues

The four-time world champion struggled with adhesion issues on his Red Bull Racing RB21, particularly in the middle sector of the track at Interlagos. Verstappen switched back to the old floor for qualifying but found it unsuccessful. He expressed frustration over the lack of performance, saying, “It’s just no grip.” He continued, “Nothing really seems to work. We change a lot on the car and, yeah, we just don’t understand.”

Red Bull Racing’s Response

In an attempt to address these issues, Red Bull Racing will use this race as an opportunity to try out a new suspension set-up and fit Verstappen’s car with a full new power unit. The team hopes that these changes will alleviate their lack of performance.

Impact on Championship Hopes

The decision to start from the pitlane comes at a critical time for Max Verstappen, who is now 39 points behind the standings leader Lando Norris after his early qualifying exit. Norris starts the race from pole position, while Yuki Tsunoda will be promoted to 18th on the grid by Verstappen’s pitlane start.

Future Implications

The decision highlights the challenges facing Red Bull Racing as they try to maintain their competitive edge in Formula 1. The team, led by Christian Horner, has faced significant difficulties this season and must now focus on finding a solution before the remainder of the championship.

The race in Brazil will be crucial for Verstappen’s title hopes, and any missteps could have serious consequences. However, with the opportunity to test new components, Red Bull Racing is setting itself up for a battle that could extend beyond this weekend.