Verstappen is red flagged late after a shocking exit from second qualifying at the Brazilian GP

Max Verstappen criticized the delay in raising the red flag for Lance Stroll's accident after his own surprise exit from Q2 at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver's world championship hopes suffered a major setback on Sunday morning as his exit in qualifying two means he will start from 17th position after dropping five places on the grid due to an engine change.

The wet qualifying conditions on Sunday morning seemed to have offered him a chance for an upset against title rival Lando Norris – but everything went wrong in the closing stages of the second qualifying segment.

Verstappen had failed to improve as track conditions steadily improved in the final minutes, and after falling to 12th, he was caught in an accident involving Lance Stroll as he made a last-ditch effort Try trying to get through.

When Verstappen overtook the stricken Aston Martin at Turn 3 and the yellow flags showed, he was forced to back off – and he knew there would be no further attempt to get through after the red flag was finally raised.

Aware of the impact of the disruption, Verstappen gestured in the cockpit and expressed frustration over the team radio, knowing the session would not resume.

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38

Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images

Speaking to Sky Sports after the session, a visibly upset Verstappen said he did not understand why there was a delay in breaking up the session.

“If a guy goes straight into the wall, it’s a straight red,” he said. “I don’t understand why it takes 30, 40 seconds for a red flag to appear…”

When it was suggested to him that some drivers should be given the opportunity to finish their laps, he replied: “Honestly I don't care, it's so stupid to talk about it. It’s ridiculous.”

Verstappen's retirement was a double blow for Red Bull as his teammate Sergio Perez also failed to make it into Q3 after finishing 13th, but will start 12th due to the three-time world champion's penalty.