P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen to start Sao Paulo GP from pit lane after major Red Bull changes
Max Verstappen will start the 2025 F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix from the pit lane after qualifying 16th, his first Q1 exit since Russia 2021. The Dutchman expressed disappointment over the lack of grip during the qualifying session in Brazil. In an effort to improve his weekend, Red Bull removed Verstappen’s car from parc fermé, allowing them to make setup changes before the race. Additionally, Verstappen received a new Honda power unit for the remaining races of the season. Despite being 39 points behind Lando Norris in the title race, Verstappen remains in contention but will need a remarkable performance. Prior to the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, he had demonstrated strong form with three wins in five races. However, his struggle in qualifying led to concerns about car performance that needed further analysis.
