Verstappen to Start São Paulo GP from Pitlane After Red Bull Resets Car

Max Verstappen will start Sunday's São Paulo Grand Prix from the pitlane, as Red Bull has opted to remove his car from parc fermé conditions. This drastic measure follows a disastrous qualifying session where Verstappen was eliminated in Q1, with teammate Yuki Tsunoda also struggling, qualifying 19th.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's decision to break parc fermé and accept a pitlane start underscores the severity of their performance issues this weekend and their determination to salvage championship hopes. With Verstappen currently 39 points behind Lando Norris, a reset is a high-stakes gamble to regain competitiveness and avoid a total write-off of the São Paulo GP.

The details:

• Qualifying Struggles: Verstappen's RB21 showed a severe lack of grip throughout Saturday's qualifying, particularly in the downforce-heavy middle sector of the Interlagos circuit. He described the car as having "no grip" and that "nothing really seems to work."
• Setup Changes Ineffective: Despite numerous setup adjustments, including reverting to an older floor configuration, the team could not find a solution, indicating a deeper underlying problem. Verstappen noted a lack of reaction to changes, suggesting "something is just really off."
• Parc Fermé Breach: By pulling the car from parc fermé, Red Bull can make further adjustments beyond what is normally allowed, including fitting new power unit components. This will likely include a fresh engine, exceeding the season allocation.
• Pitlane Start Consequence: The penalty for breaking parc fermé is a pitlane start, forcing Verstappen to begin the 71-lap race from the very back. While a significant setback, it's a calculated move to optimize the car's performance for the race.

The big picture:

This weekend has been a nightmare for Red Bull and Verstappen, who admitted after qualifying that he could "forget about the title" based on the car's performance. The team's aggressive move highlights their desperation to provide Verstappen with a competitive package, even if it means sacrificing grid position. Interlagos, with its often unpredictable conditions, might offer a slim chance for a comeback if the car's performance is genuinely reset.

What's next:

Red Bull will be working tirelessly to implement the necessary changes to Verstappen's RB21 before Sunday's race. The focus will be on finding a setup that restores grip and overall performance, hoping the pitlane start provides the flexibility to overcome their qualifying woes. The race will be a true test of their strategy and Verstappen's ability to carve through the field to score valuable points and keep his championship aspirations alive.