Max Verstappen has to accept the next setback before the first laps on the legendary Formula 1 circuit in Interlagos in Brazil. The three-time world champion’s Red Bull needs a new engine, but Verstappen’s team has already exceeded the limit.
He will therefore be moved five places back on the starting grid for the race on Sunday (6 p.m. CET/live ServusTV and Sky). Sao Paulo. “We can’t avoid an engine change in Brazil, with a corresponding penalty,” wrote Red Bull’s motorsport consultant Helmut Marko in his column for the in-house portal speedweek.com.
For the Dutchman Verstappen, this also means that he will probably have to catch up and overtake again in the race in order not to let the championship lead over Lando Norris in the McLaren – currently 47 points – melt any further.
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**Interview with Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing Motorsport Consultant**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Helmut. Max Verstappen is facing a five-place grid penalty for the upcoming race in Interlagos due to an engine change. Can you explain the reasoning behind this decision?
**Helmut Marko:** Absolutely. Unfortunately, our engine has reached its limit, and we had to make the tough call to replace it before the race. While we always want to give our drivers the best possible equipment, sometimes circumstances force us to take a penalty to ensure long-term reliability and performance.
**Editor:** How do you think this penalty will affect Verstappen’s performance in the race?
**Helmut Marko:** It certainly complicates things for Max. Starting further back means he will need to work harder to regain positions on the track. However, he has proven time and again that he can handle such challenges, and with a strong strategy and a bit of luck, he can still be competitive.
**Editor:** What is the current lead in the championship, and how significant is it for Verstappen to reclaim lost positions during the race?
**Helmut Marko:** Max currently holds a 47-point lead over Lando Norris. While he’s in a comfortable position, every point counts, especially as we approach the final races of the season. It will be crucial for him to minimize any losses and ideally extend that lead by finishing as high up as possible.
**Editor:** Given the challenges ahead in Brazil, what strategies do you think Red Bull should employ to assist Verstappen?
**Helmut Marko:** We’ll need to focus on a solid race strategy. That includes good tire management, pit stop timing, and perhaps even some creative overtaking tactics. The key is to remain calm, keep track of the race dynamics, and help Max navigate through traffic effectively.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Helmut. It seems like it will be an exciting race, despite the setbacks!
**Helmut Marko:** Thank you! We appreciate the support and are optimistic about Max’s ability to overcome this challenge.
