In a shocking turn of events at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing faced a double setback as both Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez were eliminated from qualifying due to a crash involving Lance Stroll.
The incident, which unfolded during Q1, left the championship contenders scrambling and sent shockwaves through the paddock.
The drama began when Stroll lost control of his Aston Martin at Turn 3, slamming into the barriers. The crash not only brought out the red flags but also disrupted the qualifying strategies of several teams.
Verstappen and Perez, who had been among the favorites to secure pole position, found themselves in a precarious situation. With limited time remaining on the clock, both drivers struggled to complete their flying laps.
As the session resumed, Verstappen and Perez attempted to make their way back to the track, but time was not on their side. The sudden stoppage had thrown their plans into disarray, leaving them without sufficient time to improve their positions.
Verstappen, who had been aiming for his second consecutive Brazilian GP pole, was visibly frustrated as he radioed his team, lamenting the lost opportunity.
Perez, who has been under pressure to perform in recent races, also felt the sting of the incident. With the championship battle heating up and Red Bull looking to solidify their dominance, this qualifying session was crucial for both drivers. Instead, they found themselves on the sidelines, watching as rivals seized the opportunity.
As the remaining cars took to the track, Ferrari and Mercedes looked to capitalize on the unexpected turn of events. Charles Leclerc and George Russell put in impressive laps, securing positions at the front of the grid.
The absence of Red Bull’s usual pace opened the door for a potentially thrilling race, as the dynamics of the championship could shift significantly with Verstappen and Perez starting from the back.
In the aftermath, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner expressed his disappointment, emphasizing the unpredictability of racing. “It’s frustrating to see both our drivers out of qualifying so early,” he stated. “We had the pace to fight for pole, and this is a reminder of how quickly things can change in motorsport.”
As the Brazilian GP approaches, the team faces the daunting task of strategizing for the race. With Verstappen and Perez both starting from the back, fans can expect an intense battle as they attempt to claw their way through the field.
This unexpected twist has set the stage for a dramatic race day, where anything can happen.