Verstappen to Start Brazilian GP from Pitlane After Major Red Bull Changes

Max Verstappen will start Formula 1’s Brazilian Grand Prix from the pitlane. This decision follows Red Bull's move to break parc ferme regulations to implement significant car spec and setup changes, alongside introducing a new Honda power unit.

Why it matters:

Red Bull's drastic measures underscore a desperate attempt to salvage performance after a disastrous qualifying session saw Verstappen start 16th. Opting for a pitlane start rather than enduring a race with a problematic car indicates the team's commitment to maximizing points and preserving championship hopes, even if it means a significant handicap at the outset.

The details:

• Qualifying Disaster: Red Bull had a dismal qualifying on Saturday, with Verstappen 16th and teammate Yuki Tsunoda 19th. This was attributed to 'risky' setup changes aimed at finding pace, which backfired.
• Parc Ferme Breach: To address the car's issues, Red Bull broke parc ferme. This allows them to make extensive changes, including:
  • Floor Reversion: Reverting to an older specification floor, previously run by Tsunoda in the sprint, which Verstappen had complained about.
  • Setup Rollback: Reversing other 'risky' changes that improved the car's ride but compromised grip.
  • New Power Unit: Introducing a completely new Honda power unit, including all its elements. This takes Verstappen beyond his season allocation but offers greater flexibility for the remaining three events.
• Verstappen's Frustration: After qualifying, Verstappen expressed pessimism about recovering without changes, stating, “Where we are starting, that's not going to work. With these kind of performances, forget about it.”
• Penalty Implications: While the new power unit would typically incur a grid penalty, the parc ferme breach already mandates a pitlane start, rendering the grid penalty irrelevant.
• Tsunoda's Start: Teammate Yuki Tsunoda will start from the ninth row of the grid, having not opted for similar drastic changes.

What's next:

Red Bull hopes these significant alterations will provide Verstappen with a more competitive car for the race, enabling a strong recovery drive through the field. The pitlane start presents a considerable challenge, but with a potentially optimized car and a fresh power unit, Verstappen will aim to climb as many positions as possible to secure valuable championship points. The performance of these changes will be closely watched as it could influence Red Bull's approach to similar challenges in future races.