Max Verstappen will begin the São Paulo Grand Prix from the pit lane after major changes to his car. Red Bull changed its RB21 after a poor Saturday. He was out in Q1 in sixteenth place. This result was rare for him. He reported no grip on the rear and front. “Everything was wrong. Max said. No rear grip, no front grip, sliding everywhere. I had to drive at 70% to stay on track.”
The team removed many parts and installed a full power unit. They also changed the floor to the Mexican version. These changes broke Parc Ferme rules. The penalty is a start from the pit lane. The goal is simple.
They want pace. Christian Horner said, “We are treating this like a test session,” and “We need to give Max a car he can attack with.”
“I have started from the back before. Max Verstappen said. If the balance is right, we can fight.” His engineer added, “Let us make it a Sunday to remember, mate.”
Red Bull Breaks Parc Ferme Rules
The team replaced the internal combustion engine, turbo, MGU H, MGU K, energy store, and control electronics. They also changed suspension geometry and ride height. These actions were done without approval.
FIA rules state that major changes after qualifying force a pitlane start under Article 40.9. Red Bull viewed the penalty as the price for pace. They faced grip loss in practice and in the Sprint. Max Verstappen placed twelfth in the Sprint. He told the team after qualifying that the rear felt loose. He struggled to keep the heat in the tires.
During Q1, a late lap was blocked by traffic. That sent him into the drop zone while Lando Norris secured pole. The team saw no path forward with the old setup. The data from Mexico showed progress on a different floor. They chose that direction again to search for grip.
The team made these risky, unapproved changes in an attempt to find more pace for the race after their car struggled in qualifying. Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies admitted the risk did not pay off.
What Verstappen Needs To Recover
The path forward is simple. Gain positions early and find clean air. If the balance holds, he gains speed on the straights. The team hopes the new setup brings stable corner entry. They need strong pace and tire control.
McLaren and Ferrari have speed on long runs. Red Bull needs strong exits from the slower corners to attack on the straights. The pitlane start gives Red Bull full freedom to finish setup work before the race.
They will not fight traffic at the launch. They will join once the field passes the pit exit line. The goal is to enter the points by mid-race. If the grip level holds steady, Max Verstappen will target the top five near the end. The penalty sets a steep path. The team believes the reset gives them a faster car for the future races as well.
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