Max Verstappen Slams Race Direction After Red Bull’s Double Q2 Exit at Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Max Verstappen expressed frustration with Formula 1 race officials after both he and his Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez were knocked out of Q2 in qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The double elimination followed a controversial delay in raising a red flag during challenging weather conditions.

Sunday morning’s qualifying was marked by intermittent rain and multiple stoppages. Williams driver Franco Colapinto triggered a red flag in Q1, followed by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz in the middle of Q2. However, the red flag that stirred up Verstappen came after Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll crashed at Turn 3. As Stroll attempted to restart his car, officials waited roughly 40 seconds before declaring the red flag, bringing Q2 to an abrupt end.

Verstappen did not hold back his disappointment when speaking with Sky Sports F1, saying, “I don’t understand why it needs to take 30, 40 seconds to come out; it’s just bull****.” He added, “Honestly, I let it go. It’s so stupid anyway to talk about, it’s ridiculous!”

The delay cost both Red Bull drivers the chance to advance, leaving Verstappen and Perez facing an uphill battle in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.