Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen faced a shocking early exit at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix, being eliminated in Q1 at Interlagos. The Dutch driver’s difficulties from the previous session carried over into qualifying, culminating in a disappointing P16 starting position.
### Verstappen’s Challenging Weekend at Interlagos
Coming into the Brazilian GP, Verstappen was 36 points behind championship leader Lando Norris. Interlagos has traditionally been a strong track for the Red Bull star, and expectations were high for him to be one of the frontrunners throughout the race weekend.
While Verstappen managed to secure a Top 10 spot in sprint qualifying and finished P4 in the sprint race, he voiced concerns over the ride quality and balance of his RB21 car. Red Bull attempted to address the issues by making setup changes after the sprint race when the parc fermé restrictions were lifted. Unfortunately, these adjustments did not yield the desired improvement.
### Struggles in Qualifying
During Q1, Verstappen noted some slight improvement after his penultimate lap but complained that the car was still sliding excessively. On his final attempt, Verstappen struggled to control the RB21, failing to put in a lap time fast enough to advance into Q2.
His team radio communications revealed his growing frustration and helplessness behind the wheel:
> “Oh my god mate. The car and the ride is a tiny bit better but now sliding in Turn 1,” said Verstappen following his penultimate lap.
When race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase offered assistance with adjustments, Verstappen replied:
> “No. I don’t really know what to tell you.”
After the final lap, Verstappen expressed his dismay:
> “Yeah I have no grip, zero. Brilliant!”
### Fan Reactions on Social Media
Verstappen’s unexpected early exit sparked a wave of reactions on social media platform X, with many fans declaring the championship fight effectively over.
One user commented:
> “Well this is Lando Norris’ championship. Sport has never been so dead.”
Another fan congratulated Norris:
> “Congratulations Lando Norris for the championship title!!”
Some expressed disappointment over Verstappen’s performance:
> “The theory of the championship was a short-lived dream.”
Others criticized Red Bull’s failure to find a suitable setup for Verstappen:
> “Two years and they still don’t understand their own car and how to maximize the setups. They’re literally doing trial and error. SMH.”
A few fans weren’t shy about making fun of the RB21’s handling:
> “RB21 is a tractor, man.”
And a final comment summed up the mood:
> “Well, it was fun while it lasted.”
### Championship Contenders Progress
Meanwhile, Verstappen’s title rivals, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, managed to advance to Q3, strengthening their positions in the championship battle.
As the Brazilian GP weekend unfolded, it became clear that Verstappen faces an uphill battle to close the gap to Norris, with Red Bull needing to find answers fast to keep their four-time world champion in contention.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-sport-never-dead-fans-react-max-verstappen-getting-eliminated-q1-f1-brazilian-gp-qualifying