Problems for Ferrari: Sainz to start the race from pitlane after crash

Carlos Sainz will need a new engine and gearbox after his crash in qualifying in Brazil. The Ferrari driver caused one of five red flags in a sodden qualifying session for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Ferrari team now have just a few hours to fix his car, which has heavy damage. As a result, the Spaniard has to start the race from the pit lane.

Sainz ended up in the barrier in Q2. The angle of his incident means that multiple major parts must be replaced. That is not possible under Parc Fermé rules, so the Spaniard has to start the race from the pits.

A stroke of luck for Verstappen, then. The Dutchman was due to start from P17 after his Q2 elimination and five-place grid penalty. Sainz's pitlane start means that the Red Bull driver will move up one spot on the grid. How much of a difference will it make? We will find out in just a few hours.