Verstappen Concedes Title Fight is Over After Sao Paulo Qualifying
Sao Paulo, Brazil - Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen has effectively ruled himself out of the 2023 Formula One World Championship contention following a disappointing qualifying session for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. A series of mechanical issues plagued his RB19, culminating in a P6 start for Saturday’s Sprint Race adn a P3 start for Sunday’s Grand Prix. The result mathematically eliminates Verstappen from the championship race, handing the title to teammate Sergio Pérez.
The dramatic shift in fortunes comes as a surprise, given Verstappen’s dominant performance throughout the season, securing 19 of 21 race wins prior to this weekend. While Pérez needs only a handful of points to officially clinch the championship, Verstappen’s acknowledgement of defeat marks a rare moment of concession from the typically unflinching Dutchman. The outcome concludes a season of unprecedented Red Bull dominance, but introduces a new dynamic within the team as Pérez prepares to be crowned champion.
“It’s just not our weekend, it seems,” Verstappen said after qualifying. “We tried everything, but we just couldn’t get it together. It’s a shame, of course, but we need to focus on damage limitation now and try to score as many points as possible.”
The issues began during Free Practice 1 with a DRS problem, followed by further complications in qualifying. Despite frantic efforts from the Red Bull mechanics,Verstappen was unable to extract the pace needed to challenge for pole position,ultimately finishing behind Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Pérez qualified in P2, putting him in a prime position to secure the championship during the Sprint Race. A strong performance in the shorter race would guarantee the title, while even a conservative finish in the Grand Prix would be sufficient. The Mexican driver acknowledged the significance of the weekend, stating, “It’s a great chance for me, and I’m resolute to make the most of it.”
