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Max Verstappen’s Q1 Exit Marks Rare Red Bull Failure at Brazil GP

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Nov 8, 2025 2:06 PM ET

F1 fans witnessed an almost unthinkable moment during qualifying at Interlagos, as Max Verstappen failed to make it out of Q1 for the first time in years. The reigning world champion, known for his precision and consistency, struggled to find grip on a track that punished even the smallest misjudgments.

For Red Bull, it wasn’t just Verstappen who faltered, Yuki Tsunoda also exited in Q1, making it a double elimination for the team. To find the last instance of both Red Bull cars failing in advance from the opening qualifying segment, you’d have to go back to the Japanese Grand Prix in 2006, underscoring just how rare this outcome truly is.

Changing Conditions Catch Drivers Out

The Interlagos circuit presented a tricky challenge, with patchy damp spots and light drizzle unsettling cars across the grid. Verstappen’s RB21 appeared to struggle with tire temperature and rear-end stability, particularly through the Senna S and Turn 3.

Onboard replays showed the Dutch driver fighting to keep the car under control, losing time on what should have been his final flying lap. The lack of clean air and traffic in the closing stages compounded his problems, ultimately leaving him stranded in the elimination zone.

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing in parc ferme during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 07, 2025 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.Peter Fox/Getty Images

Tsunoda’s Frustrations Continue

For Yuki Tsunoda, the weekend has been one to forget. After a difficult Sprint session earlier, the Japanese driver once again found himself on the back foot, complaining of poor balance and a lack of confidence under braking.

His exit means he’ll start near the back row, alongside Bortoleto, who failed to set a representative time, and ahead of Esteban Ocon and Franco Colapinto, who also struggled.

A Wake-Up Call for Red Bull

While Verstappen has enjoyed an unparalleled run of form over the past couple of seasons, this Q1 exit serves as a reminder that even the most dominant teams are not immune to unpredictable conditions.

It’s a rare blemish on an otherwise dominant campaign and one that could make Sunday’s race particularly intriguing.

With both cars starting well outside their usual comfort zone, Red Bull faces an uphill battle to recover points in Brazil, a challenge Verstappen is no stranger to, but one fans did not expect to see this late in the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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