Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen crashed out in the first quarter of the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix. The Dutchman’s woes from the previous session at Interlagos continued in the qualifying session, resulting in a starting position of 16th. Fans took to social media platform X and reacted to Verstappen’s exit in the first quarter.
Max Verstappen entered the Brazilian Grand Prix 36 points behind championship leader Land Norris. Interlagos was a happy hunting ground for the Dutchman and he was expected to become one of the best runners to enter the race.
While Verstappen was able to put the RB21 in the top 10 in sprint qualifying, followed by a 4th place finish in the sprint race, he complained about the car’s ride quality as well as balance. The team made changes after the sprint where the closed park was removed, but it didn’t seem to help.
Max Verstappen suggested after his penultimate lap in Q1 that the ride quality was slightly better, but that the car was sliding all over the place. The Red Bull driver went for a final attempt but the car didn’t meet his demands, leaving the Dutchman unable to get a lap time good enough for Q2.
Fans took to social media platform X and reacted to Verstappen’s exit in the first quarter, suggesting the championship fight was over.
“Well, it’s Lando Norris, his championship. The sport has never been so dead,” the user commented.
“Congratulations to Land Norris on his championship!!” is mentioned another fan
User commented“The theory of the championship was a short-lived dream”
Some fans came out and pointed the finger at Red Bull for not being able to get a set-up that Max Verstappen was happy with.
“It’s been two years and they still don’t understand their own car and how to maximize settings…..they’re literally trial and error…hmm,” commented a fan
“RB21 – tractor driver” wrote another
Another user wrote: “Well, it was fun while it lasted.”
Max Verstappen’s helpless team radio from Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying
The Red Bull star didn’t sound confident about the RB21 after the sprint race and his struggles in the car continued from Q1. After the first heat, Verstappen was outside the top 10 and was placed in the relegation zone due to others who improved in the second heat.
Max Verstappen continued to struggle during the final stint, leading to helpless team radios.
“Oh my friend. The car and the ride are a bit better, but now it’s sliding in Turn 1,” Verstappen said after his penultimate lap
“Let us know if we can help you with the tools,” asked Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiaze
“No. I really don’t know what to tell you,” Max replied
Yes, I have no grip, zero. Brilliant!” Max said after his final lap in Q1.
Verstappen’s title contenders Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri exited Q3.
Edited by Pranaya Bhaga
