Explained — Why Max Verstappen started from pit-lane in F1 Brazilian GP 2025?

Max Verstappen started Sunday’s 2025 Sao Paulo Grand Prix from the pit lane, running a fresh engine and an entirely new Red Bull setup at Interlagos.

The four-time world champion had qualified 16th on Saturday — the first time in his career he failed to advance from Q1 on merit. He enters the race trailing championship leader and pole-sitter Lando Norris by 39 points.

Why is Max Verstappen starting from pit lane in F1 Brazilian GP 2025?

Verstappen’s Red Bull was seen in pieces in the garage on Saturday evening as the team installed a new engine and replaced the car’s floor. The team reverted to the specification used in Austin, where Verstappen won the Grand Prix.

Since Red Bull made a wholesale setup change outside Formula One’s parc fermé regulations, Verstappen was required to start from the pit lane.

What is the meaning of starting from pit-lane?

Verstappen will not take part in the formation lap or line up on the grid. Starting from the pit lane puts him at an immediate time disadvantage, as he cannot leave until the last car in the field passes a designated point. A green light at pit exit signals when he is allowed to join the race.

That early setback, however, is partly offset by the advantage of avoiding potential chaos at Turn 1 and through the opening lap — a common feature at Interlagos. It also allows Verstappen a fresh start with a car he had struggled to control all weekend, now equipped with a new setup and a powerful fresh engine.

What is the best-ever finish in F1 grand prix from a pit-lane?

The best-ever finish in a Formula One Grand Prix from a pit-lane start is third place — a feat achieved by Sebastian Vettel in Abu Dhabi in 2012 and later matched by Lewis Hamilton in Hungary in 2014.

Published on Nov 09, 2025