Why Max Verstappen ended F1 practice early in Brazil – Red Bull explains

Max Verstappen finished third in both Friday practice sessions at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix before cutting second practice short with six minutes remaining. Red Bull head of race strategy Hannah Schmitz explained that inconsistent long-run data made staying out unhelpful, prompting the team to begin overnight adjustments immediately. By pitting early, Verstappen also forfeited the chance to perform a practice start on the uphill Interlagos grid.

Throughout Friday, Verstappen faced power steering trouble and voiced complaints about downshifts and confusing power unit communications with substitute race engineer Tom Hart. Despite these issues and potential weather changes, Schmitz expressed optimism about Red Bull's pace.