Max Verstappen Fastest in Brazilian GP Practice Despite Grid Penalty

Grid Penalties Hit Verstappen, Leclerc, and Hamilton in Brazil

Max Verstappen will start Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix from the back of the grid after receiving a power unit penalty alongside Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Verstappen observed the opening moments of Friday’s running before posting the second-fastest time in his initial stint on the medium compound tyre. Trouble struck Lewis Hamilton shortly after that run when his new Ferrari engine failed completely. The Dutchman encountered quite a few technical issues on Friday at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace with his Red Bull Racing RB22, which let him down on a number of occasions. Although the Red Bull car did not fully do what the driver from Limburg hoped for, he was still very fast.

Qualifying Results and Practice Pace Contrast

Verstappen claimed the fastest time during the final qualifying runs in São Paulo, edging out Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris. George Russell and Charles Leclerc rounded out the top five, while Verstappen’s teammate Isack Hadjar finished ninth. Data from the second practice session revealed strong race simulation pace for the Red Bull driver. Verstappen completed a long run on the medium compound tyre with a 1:15.501 average, despite many rivals discarding the rubber during the long runs. Antonelli posted a 1:15.331 average on soft tyres, while Norris managed a 1:15.497 average on the hard compound. Hamilton reached no further than an average lap time of 1:16.027 on the medium tyres, leaving Verstappen half a second faster than the seven-time F1 world champion.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Brazilian Grand Prix Grid Penalties

Why are Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton receiving grid penalties?

All three drivers incurred grid penalties for changing power unit components ahead of Sunday’s race in São Paulo.

Where will Max Verstappen start the race?

Verstappen will start from the back of the grid on Sunday, where rain is forecast for the grand prix.

How did Lewis Hamilton’s practice session end?

Hamilton’s session ended prematurely when his new Ferrari power unit suffered a complete failure during the running.

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