Verpappen in Brazil: Chaos-Quali brings the title dream to falter!

Verpappen in Brazil: Chaos-Quali brings the title dream to falter!

Interlagos, Brasilien - São Paulo (dpa) - Pur chaos in São Paulo! Max Verstappen, the angry Formula 1 leader, hit his steering wheel frustrated frustrated with his fists when he left as a twelfth in qualifying for the Grand Prix of Brazil. In a dramatic spectacle with five red phases and violent accidents, including the crash of the Argentinian shooting star Franco Colapinto, the view was miserable and the rain had the route transformed into a slide. Verstappen now threatens to lose valuable points in the title fight after it is relocated by five places due to an engine change.

The qualification, which was postponed by 16.5 hours due to a storm, was a real disaster for many drivers. While Lando Norris, who won the sprint race on Saturday, secured the pole position, others like Lewis Hamilton and Nico Hülkenberg experienced an early departure. Hamilton, who finished 16th, complained about his "damn car". The drivers fought aquaplaning and visual problems, which further tightened the already difficult conditions.

crash and chaos - an unforgettable qualifying

The qualifying day started with a shock when the 21-year-old Colapinto flew off the route and crashed into the tire stack on the side. "I'm okay," he sparked on the box, while the interruptions through further accidents, such as that of Carlos Sainz, increased the tension immeasurable. Verstappen, who initially fought to the top, was brought out of the rhythm by another crash and the associated red flags. Fernando Alonso and Alexander Albon also had to park their cars damaged and now fear for their starting place in the race.