Janice R. Andrews
Following his unexpected elimination in Q2 at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen voiced strong criticism about the delayed red flag response to Lance Stroll’s crash. Already facing a five-place grid penalty due to an engine swap, Verstappen’s situation worsened as he’ll now start from 17th position in his ongoing championship battle with Lando Norris. His final qualifying attempt was compromised when he encountered Stroll’s crashed Aston Martin, forcing him to slow down before the session was eventually halted.
The initially wet Interlagos track conditions seemed to favor Verstappen’s skills, but as the surface dried, he found himself in 12th place as other drivers improved their times. His last chance at advancement was cut short by Stroll’s Turn 3 incident. The delayed red flag response particularly irked Verstappen, who later told Sky Sports, “If a car hits the wall directly, it should be an immediate red flag. Waiting 30 to 40 seconds is inexplicable.”
The situation also affected his teammate Sergio Perez, who qualified 13th and will start 12th after Verstappen’s penalty. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner supported Verstappen’s position, pointing out a pattern of delayed safety responses throughout the weekend, including previous Virtual Safety Car decisions.
Horner emphasized the safety implications, particularly given Turn 3’s dangerous nature. “An immediate red flag is necessary when you have an accident of that magnitude, especially with a driver in the wall at one of the circuit’s most hazardous corners,” he explained.
The incident has sparked broader discussions about race control’s response times during dangerous situations. With both Red Bulls starting from uncommonly low grid positions, the team faces an uphill battle in the upcoming race. Verstappen will need to execute a strong recovery drive to maintain his championship momentum.
This controversy adds to the ongoing debate about incident management in Formula 1, particularly as the championship reaches its crucial stages. The racing community will be watching closely to see if these concerns lead to procedural changes in how race control handles similar situations in the future.
