Max Verstappen will start the 2026 Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after Red Bull decided to change the power unit in his RB22. The decision represents a strategic move by the team ahead of the final stages of the Formula 1 season and leaves the four-time world champion facing another recovery drive at Interlagos.
As first reported by De Telegraaf journalist Erik van Haren, Red Bull has opted to replace Verstappen’s power unit, triggering a significant grid penalty for Sunday’s race in São Paulo.
Max Verstappen faces Brazilian GP grid penalty after Red Bull engine change
The power unit change means Max Verstappen will have to fight his way through the field if he is to challenge for a strong result at the Brazilian Grand Prix. However, Interlagos is a circuit where the Dutchman has already demonstrated his ability to recover from difficult starting positions.
According to the weather forecasts, rain is expected for Sunday’s race, potentially creating the conditions for another memorable comeback. Verstappen will therefore be hoping to repeat his remarkable performance from the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, when he overcame an unfortunate Q2 elimination and charged from 17th on the grid to victory in wet conditions.
Red Bull hopes for another Max Verstappen Interlagos comeback
The 2024 race is not the only encouraging precedent for Verstappen. At last year’s Brazilian Grand Prix, the Dutchman also mounted an impressive recovery after fitting a new power unit, eventually finishing third behind Lando Norris and Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
With another engine change now leaving him at the back of the grid, Verstappen faces a similar challenge in 2026. The possibility of rain could make the race even more unpredictable, although the conditions will also demand careful tyre management and race strategy.
For more on the potential conditions at Interlagos, see the 2026 Brazilian GP tyre and rain analysis.
Red Bull’s decision comes as Verstappen attempts to maximise his results during the closing stages of the championship. Having already demonstrated his ability to recover through the field at Interlagos, the Dutchman will be hoping that another difficult starting position can be turned into a valuable result.
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