Max Verstappen says he cannot understand how his car can be in “so bad shape” as Red Bull suffers its worst qualifying performance since the 2006 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Verstappen was eliminated in the first half of qualifying for the first time since the 2021 Russian Grand Prix, but teammate Yuki Tsunoda was eliminated at the same stage, making it the first time for both Red Bull teams to be eliminated in Q1 since 2006. This was the first year the current qualifying format was introduced, and it was the team’s second Q1 exit.
Tsunoda has always struggled in qualifying, but Verstappen’s 16th place on the grid was a big surprise, and his hopes of winning a fifth consecutive drivers’ title seemed all but over.
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Sao Paulo GP qualifying highlights
Championship leader Lando Norris won Saturday’s sprint, extending his advantage over third-placed Verstappen to 39 points and taking McLaren’s pole position with three rounds remaining after Sunday’s race in Brazil.
“It was just bad. I couldn’t push at all,” Verstappen told Sky Sports F1.
“The car was rolling all over the place and was sliding a lot.
“I had to underdrive quite a bit to get a moment. Of course that doesn’t work in qualifying.”
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A baffled Max Verstappen admitted he “couldn’t understand” how his car could be so “bad” after being eliminated in Q1 at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Asked on Sunday about the prospects for a recovery, Verstappen said: “First we need to analyze what is happening.
“I don’t really understand how something so bad could happen, so it’s more important for us to understand that at this point.”
Mekies: Red Bull paid the price for taking the risk
Red Bull’s disastrous result came after Verstappen made significant changes to his set-up after struggling in sprint events.
Verstappen qualified 6th in the sprint and finished 4th in the shortened race, but felt that significant set-up changes were needed to give him any chance of challenging McLaren in the full-length event.
Red Bull team boss Laurent Mequise, who has overseen Verstappen’s return to title contention since replacing Christian Horner in July, admitted Saturday’s changes had backfired.
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Sao Paulo GP sprint highlights
“Obviously no one expected anything like that,” Mekies told Sky Sports F1.
“I’ve been unhappy with the car ever since I came here. Still, it got to the point where I couldn’t fight for the win, but right after that I was able to fight within the group.
“It’s fair to say we took some risks to see if we could put the car in a better position before qualifying, but it clearly went in the opposite direction.
“When you take a risk, sometimes it pays.”
Sky Sports F1 Sao Paulo GP Schedule
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A look back at some of the most dramatic moments that happened at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Sunday, November 9th
3:30pm: Sunday’s Grand Prix: Sao Paulo GP Build-up
5pm: Sao Paulo Grand Prix
7pm: Checkered flag: São Paulo GP reaction
8pm: Ted’s Notes
F1’s thrilling title race continues in Brazil with the São Paulo Grand Prix at 5pm on Sunday, broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 from 3.30pm. Stream Sky Sports now – cancel anytime with no contract
