Max Verstappen's São Paulo Grand Prix qualifying disaster could lead to a penalty, as Red Bull considers drastic changes to his car.
Max Verstappen's qualifying session for the São Paulo Grand Prix was a disaster, leaving him 16th on the grid. The Dutchman struggled throughout the sprint race, and Red Bull is now considering significant changes to the car's setup.
However, these changes may come at a cost. If Red Bull decides to make alterations outside the parc fermé rules, Verstappen could face a penalty, forcing him to start from the pit lane instead of P16.
Red Bull's team principal, Laurent Mekies, admitted they took risks, making significant changes to the car to improve its performance. This could indicate a complete overhaul, as the team aims to improve Verstappen's chances in the race.
If Red Bull opts for radical changes, Verstappen's grid position could be affected. Starting from the pit lane would be a significant setback, but it might be necessary to ensure a better-balanced car and improved performance.
Red Bull could also take the opportunity to replace power unit components, adding fresh parts to the car. This would allow Verstappen to make full use of a new power unit for the remaining races, giving him an advantage over his rivals, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Additionally, Red Bull might consider altering the car's floor specification, which they introduced in Mexico. However, doubts remain about the performance of this update, as the team has struggled for grip since its introduction. If Red Bull proceeds with radical changes, swapping power unit components would be a logical step.
In Brazil, starting from the pit lane would not be a significant disadvantage, and it could pay off in the final three rounds of the season. This strategic move could be well worth considering for Red Bull and Verstappen.
