A last-minute change to the grid for the Brazilian Grand Prix benefits the Argentine driver Franco Colapinto and his Alpine team. The Dutch driver Max Verstappen, who had qualified in 16th place, will not take his position on the grid and will start from the pit lane due to adjustments made by Red Bull to his car. This move allows the Argentine driver to advance one position. The Austrian team's decision to make changes to the car outside the closed parc fermé period triggers an automatic penalty, forcing the Dutch driver to start from the pit lane. Another driver who suffered the same penalty and will have to start from the pit lane is the Frenchman Esteban Ocon in his Haas, as his car was adjusted for the race without the stewards' permission. Colapinto will start 16th in Sunday's race at Interlagos, improving on the 18th place he secured on Saturday. The Alpine representative will look to capitalize on this move at the start and during the race on a circuit that typically offers overtaking opportunities, strategic changes, and variable conditions.
