Overview
- Both Red Bull drivers were knocked out in Q1 at Interlagos, the team’s first double first‑phase qualifying exit since 2006.
- Data from the Sprint led Red Bull to adopt setup changes from Tsunoda’s side on Verstappen’s car, which Tsunoda defended as he pointed to tyre preparation difficulties.
- Stewards ruled Tsunoda wholly responsible for colliding with Lance Stroll on lap 6 and issued a 10‑second penalty and two penalty points.
- A further 10‑second penalty was applied when video showed a mechanic began work during Tsunoda’s initial time penalty, breaching Article 54.4(c).
- Verstappen started from the pit lane and climbed to third, while Tsunoda finished 17th as team boss Laurent Mekies acknowledged the procedural error that compounded his race.