Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying results: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen suffer dis...

Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying results: Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen suffer dis…read more

The Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying session turned disastrous for Red Bull Racing, as both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were eliminated following an unexpected red-flag incident. Verstappen, who came into the session strong by setting the fastest time in Q1, seemed poised to perform well in Q2 as track conditions improved and lap times began to drop. However, with less than a minute left in Q2, Lance Stroll lost control of his Aston Martin in the Senna S section of the track. This crash triggered a red flag, immediately halting the session and effectively ending Verstappen’s hopes of setting a faster lap.

Unfortunately for Verstappen, he was just beginning his final flying lap when the red flag came out, leaving him and Perez stranded in the lower positions on the timesheets. At the end of Q2, Verstappen was only 12th fastest, while Perez was positioned further back. Verstappen’s misfortune was compounded by an additional five-place grid penalty he was set to serve for using a new internal combustion engine beyond his allotted number for the season. As a result, instead of lining up in 12th, the three-time World Champion will now start from a challenging 17th place on the grid. Perez, on the other hand, benefits slightly from Verstappen’s penalty, moving up one spot to begin the race in 12th.

Meanwhile, Verstappen’s rival, Lando Norris, had a notably contrasting experience in qualifying. Though he initially struggled in Q1, barely making it through to the next session, Norris capitalized on the improved track conditions to clock the fastest time in Q2 before the red flag brought the session to an end. This positions Norris advantageously as he continues his pursuit of a strong finish in the championship standings.

The chaotic session at Interlagos underlined the challenges and unpredictability of racing at the iconic Brazilian circuit, with ever-changing conditions playing a major role. For Red Bull, the early elimination of both drivers is a significant setback, especially for Verstappen, who faces a tough battle to work his way up from 17th in a field known for its competitive mid-pack. Perez, too, will have his work cut out for him, as starting outside the top 10 limits his options for strategy and makes it challenging to secure points for the team. As Red Bull regroups, the team will likely be strategizing intensively to maximize their drivers’ performances and salvage valuable points in Sunday’s race.