Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda from Red Bull Racing faced a disappointing outcome during the Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying, both being eliminated in Q1. Verstappen, who has been a dominant force in Formula 1, candidly admitted that his chances of clinching the title are effectively over, saying, “Forget about it.” This marks the first time since the 2021 Russian Grand Prix that he has failed to advance past Q1, a development primarily attributed to car pace.
As the current championship leader Lando Norris increased his lead to 39 points after finishing fourth in the sprint race earlier on Saturday, Verstappen’s hopes appeared to be dwindling. He stated, “Where we are starting, so that’s not going to work, and with these kinds of performances, I mean forget about it.” His comments reflect a sense of resignation, as he grapples with the performance issues that plagued his car throughout the weekend.
In a strategic move following the qualifying session, Red Bull planned to make significant changes to Verstappen’s car, including fitting a new engine and floor, which would require him to start from the pit lane rather than the grid. While this effectively means starting at the back of the pack, it also grants Verstappen the advantage of a fresh engine, allowing him to avoid the chaotic Turn 1 during the race.
Verstappen expressed his frustrations regarding the handling of his car, revealing that there seems to be an underlying issue that the team has yet to comprehend. Despite the RB19 being one of the fastest cars earlier in the season—evidenced by victories in Monza, Azerbaijan, and Austin—Verstappen’s struggle in Brazil is apparent. “We need to understand what our problems are first of all. Just not been good, it seems we don’t really understand why it’s going that way,” he admitted.
In contrast to Verstappen’s challenges, Lando Norris enjoyed a stellar day, winning the sprint race and securing pole position later in the qualifying session. The top ten for the Brazilian Grand Prix includes notable drivers such as Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Oscar Piastri, who showcased strong performances.
Despite the difficulties faced by Verstappen and his team, his previous experience at Interlagos, where he famously won after qualifying in 17th place last year, provides a glimmer of hope. However, with no rain forecasted for the race, it will require a significant turnaround for the four-time world champion to finish strong on Sunday.