Overview
- Formula 1 confirmed Red Bull broke parc fermé to change Max Verstappen’s power unit, forcing a pit-lane start for the Brazilian Grand Prix.
- Both RB21s will launch from the pit lane after post-qualifying car changes, reshuffling the grid and promoting several rivals.
- Verstappen’s P16 in Q1—his first Q1 elimination since 2021—came after a setup gamble Red Bull admitted backfired, leaving him short on grip and balance.
- Lando Norris starts from pole after winning the sprint and leads the championship by 39 points, with Verstappen saying he can forget about the title.
- Alpine’s Franco Colapinto moves up to start 16th, and Haas driver Esteban Ocon is also set to start from the back after an engine change.