P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Verstappen stunned after suffering Red Bull humiliation
F1 champion Max Verstappen expressed disappointment with his car’s performance during Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying, as he had a poor session while trying to re-enter the championship fight. He was unable to advance from Q1 for the first time since the 2021 Russian GP and will start the main race in 16th place on Sunday. Losing out on points in the sprint race to Lando Norris further compounded Verstappen’s frustration, as Norris extended his lead to 39 points in the championship. Verstappen’s Q1 exit was not only a setback for him but also for Red Bull, who experienced a rare double Q1 exit with Yuki Tsunoda finishing in 18th place. This marked Red Bull’s first double Q1 exit in main race qualifying since the 2006 Japanese GP, highlighting the team’s consistency as a major player in F1 over the past two decades.
Verstappen described his car as difficult to handle during qualifying, stating he had to under-drive it to avoid losing control. Despite his struggles, Verstappen remained focused on understanding and improving the car’s performance rather than dwelling on his championship position. Looking ahead to the Brazilian GP, where he won from 17th place last year, Verstappen faces a challenging task to stay competitive and keep his championship hopes alive. The upcoming race conditions, forecasted to be damp after morning rain, could offer opportunities for Verstappen to excel, although his rival Norris starting from pole poses a significant obstacle. With only three race weekends remaining after the Brazilian GP, Verstappen’s chances of mounting a successful championship comeback are narrowing.
