Max Verstappen will start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from the pit lane after Red Bull opted to make changes to the car with a new power unit.
Red Bull struggled in qualifying on Saturday, with both Verstappen and Hiroki Tsunoda dropping out at Q1 pace, marking the first time since the 2006 Japanese Grand Prix that the team was unable to advance with either car. This was followed by a floor change for Verstappen. Verstappen ran the latest spec for the morning sprint, then reverted to the previous spec for qualifying.
The team had originally planned to ride out the end of the season without a new power unit, but due to their original starting position of 16th and the need to disrupt parc fermé conditions to change the suspension set-up, they opted to install a new power unit ahead of Sunday’s race.
With just a set-up change requiring a pitlane start, the new power unit is effectively a free replacement for Red Bull and looks to give Verstappen his best chance of staying in contention for the drivers’ championship with three more races remaining after Interlagos. Heading into Sunday’s race, he currently has a 39-point lead over championship leader Lando Norris, who will start from pole position.
Verstappen’s car has a completely new power unit, while Esteban Ocon also has a new internal combustion engine (ICE) after qualifying 17th, meaning he will also start from the pit lane.
