Verstappen: Fighting From the Back Will Be Harder With 2026 Cars
Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen ended Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying after the first session, as an engine penalty sends him to the back of the grid. He said the lack of DRS and limited overtaking mode will make recovery harder.
Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen finished his Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying at Interlagos after the first session (Q1). He already knew an engine penalty would send him to the back of the grid for Sunday's race, so he took no risks. His comments matter because the 2026 F1 cars no longer have DRS, the system that previously helped drivers overtake.
A long wait because of rain
Heavy rain caused a red-flag stoppage lasting almost an hour and a half. Verstappen said he spent the time watching English Premier League football. The last match was Nottingham Forest against Manchester City, which stood at 3-1. By his account, the day cost him 12 hours he will never get back.
On his only full flying lap in the wet conditions, Verstappen set the third-fastest time, behind Lando Norris and George Russell. Still, he said he did not enjoy the driving because there was nothing to fight for: "My mind is already on Sunday's race."
Overtaking will be tougher
Verstappen explained that fighting from the back used to be possible, but now there is no DRS. He said the overtaking mode in Brazil is very limited because of the long straight, and everyone drains the battery, so the speed difference on the straight will be smaller. He compared the situation to Mexico and concluded that passing will be harder than usual.
