Max Verstappen could start F1 2024 Brazilian GP from last

Max Verstappen could start F1 2024 Brazilian GP from last position…..read more

Max Verstappen faces the prospect of starting the F1 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the grid, a significant hurdle in his quest for the championship. During the first practice session at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace, he managed only the 15th fastest time. This disappointing performance could have serious repercussions, particularly with inclement weather forecasted to disrupt qualifying.

On Saturday, heavy rain led to the postponement of the qualifying session, as conditions were deemed unsafe for any cars to take to the track. The FIA made this decision after a series of delays, emphasizing the risks involved in such weather. Qualifying was initially set to occur on Saturday, but if it cannot be conducted on Sunday morning, Verstappen’s starting position could be severely compromised.

According to Article 39.4 of the FIA Sporting Regulations, if drivers are unclassified due to adverse conditions, the grid positions could be determined based on their classification from the third practice session (P3). However, the postponement does not automatically classify drivers as unqualified. This means the FIA might opt to use sprint qualifying to establish the starting grid, which could be more representative of the drivers’ performance.

Verstappen’s lap time from Friday’s practice was a mere 0.038 seconds slower than George Russell’s time in the second sector, but he chose to abort his lap attempt. Had he continued, he could have achieved a position around third in practice, which, after applying a five-place grid penalty, would have positioned him closer to eighth on the grid. With Oliver Bearman’s Haas and Alex Albon’s Williams directly in front, a better practice performance could have placed him in a much more favorable position.

With the weather and its potential to disrupt the rest of the weekend, the FIA has revised the schedule for both qualifying and the race. The new timings are designed to ensure that both sessions can take place safely, allowing for a more orderly progression of the event. Qualifying is now set for 07:30 local time, while the Grand Prix is scheduled for 12:30 local time, ensuring that fans and teams can still enjoy the weekend despite the weather challenges.

Verstappen, the reigning world champion, understands that he has only himself to blame for his position. His performance in the opening practice sessions has left him vulnerable, and if the weather continues to pose a challenge, his championship aspirations could be significantly jeopardized.

As it stands, Lando Norris is poised to start on pole if qualifying proceeds as planned. The potential for Verstappen to start from the back highlights the unpredictable nature of Formula 1, where a combination of weather, driver performance, and team strategy can dramatically alter the outcome of a race weekend.

Should the rain persist and qualifying be further impacted, Verstappen’s current standing could lead to a disastrous start. While he is known for his ability to make up places during races, starting from the back of the grid would require a monumental effort and possibly some luck to navigate through the pack. The Brazilian GP is notorious for its unpredictable racing conditions, adding another layer of complexity to his situation.

As fans eagerly await the revised schedule and potential racing action, all eyes will be on Verstappen to see how he manages this challenging scenario. The events of this weekend will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the championship, making every decision and lap crucial for the title contenders.