Carlos Sainz was one of the drivers who caused a red flag during the qualifying session for the São Paulo Grand Prix. The session was plagued by heavy rainfall, resulting in a chaotic scene at Interlagos. Due to his crash in Q2, Sainz’s Ferrari would reportedly require a new engine and gearbox, leading to a start from the pit lane.
Due to the wet conditions on the track, Carlos Sainz ended up in the barrier during Q2. His SF-24 was so heavily damaged that several key components need to be replaced before the start of the race. According to the Italian Formu1a.uno, this includes the gearbox and the combustion engine. This is not allowed under parc fermé rules, meaning the Spaniard would have to start from the pit lane.
This would mean that Max Verstappen moves up one spot on the grid. Lance Stroll also caused a red flag in the second qualifying session, preventing the Dutchman from advancing beyond P12. With the grid penalty he received this weekend for the new power unit in his RB20, he moves up another five places to the seventeenth starting spot. If Sainz indeed has to start from the pit lane, it would mean P16 for the Dutchman. While title rival Lando Norris secured pole position, Verstappen faces a catch-up race.
