Max Verstappen has defended Red Bull’s decision to end his participation in qualifying for the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix after Q1, insisting that he had no interest in following the different approach taken by Ferrari and Lewis Hamilton. The four-time Formula 1 world champion was already facing a back-of-the-grid start following a power unit change, prompting Red Bull to prioritise protecting the car rather than continuing to chase faster lap times at a rain-soaked Interlagos.
Speaking to Sky Sport after qualifying, Max Verstappen explained why he agreed with the team’s cautious strategy. While Red Bull decided against further running after the opening segment, Ferrari allowed Lewis Hamilton to continue into Q2 despite the British driver’s own power unit penalties.
Max Verstappen defends Red Bull’s Brazilian GP qualifying strategy
Max Verstappen will start the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Red Bull fitted a new power unit to his car. The decision resulted in grid penalties, changing the team’s priorities for Saturday’s qualifying session at Interlagos.
With the Dutchman already set to start near the back regardless of his qualifying result, Red Bull adopted a cautious approach to managing the car and its components ahead of Sunday’s race. Verstappen participated in Q1 but did not return to the circuit for Q2, choosing not to pursue further competitive laps when they would offer little practical benefit to his starting position.
The decision was particularly relevant given the difficult weather conditions. Rain had made the circuit challenging, increasing the risks associated with continued running and creating another factor for Red Bull to consider ahead of the Grand Prix.
Asked about the decision following qualifying, Verstappen said he believed Red Bull had taken the correct approach.
“The decision to wait was the right one. The opening laps were quite complicated, to be honest, but that’s how you drive in the wet. You have to give yourself some margin and then gradually build up your pace.”
“That feeling is a little fragmented from lap to lap, but I think it went reasonably well and the tyres held up quite well, so I’m satisfied.”
Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari take different approach to qualifying
Ferrari adopted a contrasting strategy for Lewis Hamilton, who was also facing a back-of-the-grid start following a power unit change on his SF-26.
Unlike Red Bull, the Maranello team decided to keep its driver on track beyond Q1, allowing him to participate in Q2 despite the penalties that would affect his starting position.
The different approaches highlighted how the two teams assessed the balance between gathering additional running and avoiding unnecessary risks in difficult conditions. While Ferrari elected to continue, Red Bull considered the extra laps unnecessary given Verstappen’s grid situation.
The Dutchman was emphatic when asked about the choices made by other teams, making it clear that his priority was protecting his car rather than comparing strategies.
“I’m not interested in what the others are doing, because there could also be a different situation at the start in Turn 1, so I’d rather not risk the car. I absolutely don’t care what the others are doing.”
Red Bull prioritises Sunday’s Brazilian GP after power unit change
For Verstappen, the decision to stop after Q1 was ultimately dictated by the circumstances of his Brazilian Grand Prix weekend. The new power unit had already left him facing a significant grid penalty, meaning that continuing through qualifying would not offer the same potential reward as it would for a driver starting further up the field.
The approach also reflected the challenges of driving at Interlagos in wet conditions. As Verstappen explained, finding the necessary confidence requires gradually building up speed while leaving sufficient margin, particularly when the grip available changes from one lap to another.
Red Bull has already faced difficulties managing its car’s performance this season, including the starting problems Max Verstappen discussed after qualifying in Mexico. At Interlagos, however, the immediate priority was to avoid unnecessary complications before the race.
With both Verstappen and Hamilton facing significant power unit penalties, the Brazilian Grand Prix presents a difficult challenge for two of Formula 1’s most experienced drivers. Their respective teams have chosen different approaches to qualifying, but both will now turn their attention to Sunday’s race.
Potentially challenging conditions could add another layer of uncertainty, with rain and tyre management among the key concerns at Interlagos.
Verstappen, meanwhile, remains firmly focused on his own programme. Whatever Ferrari or the other teams decide, the Red Bull driver believes limiting his qualifying running was the sensible choice given the penalties and the risks involved.
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