Verstappen Blasts 'Rubbish' Sprint Qualifying in Sao Paulo

Max Verstappen was visibly frustrated after a difficult Sprint Qualifying session at Interlagos, leaving him only sixth on the grid and describing his Red Bull's performance as nothing short of “rubbish.” The three-time world champion, typically at the front, struggled with a car that seemed completely out of sorts on the newly resurfaced circuit.

Why it matters:

• Verstappen's uncharacteristic struggles at Interlagos signal potential underlying issues with the RB21 on specific track conditions, which could impact Red Bull's performance in future races on similar surfaces.
• His strong criticism highlights the team's immediate challenge to adapt to circuit changes and tire performance, crucial for maintaining their dominant position in Formula 1.
• The inability to adjust setup under parc fermé rules for the Sprint raises concerns about the team's adaptability, especially with McLaren showing strong pace, potentially shifting the competitive landscape.

The Details:

• "It was just rubbish," Verstappen told Viaplay, citing significant car vibrations and bouncing, along with a complete lack of grip in slow corners and poor traction.
• His radio messages during the session indicated early irritation, describing the RB21 as “completely broken” due to instability on Interlagos' bumpy layout.
• Tire Performance Discrepancy: While the car performed decently on hard tires during Friday's practice, the switch to soft tires for Sprint Qualifying exposed major imbalances, forcing Verstappen to fight for control rather than pole.
• Verstappen finished sixth, behind Fernando Alonso and significantly off Lando Norris's pace, a stark contrast to his usual strong form.

Between the Lines:

• Red Bull's senior advisor Helmut Marko attributed the underperformance directly to the RB21’s lack of downforce, a critical issue that cannot be resolved before the Sprint due to parc fermé regulations.
• Marko expressed hope that data from Sprint Qualifying would allow the team to make adjustments for the main race, where they aim to be more competitive.
• Rain Uncertainty: Despite Verstappen's historic prowess in wet conditions, he was not optimistic that potential rain would offer a lifeline, stating, "I'm not expecting that suddenly to be miles better in the wet. For us it's just quite poor."

What's next:

With the Sprint race expected to run under stormy skies, Verstappen faces a significant uphill battle against both the elements and a McLaren team that appears increasingly comfortable and competitive. The outcome of the Sprint will be crucial for Red Bull to gather data and strategize for the main race, where they hope to regain their usual form and competitiveness.