Max Verstappen secured third place in São Paulo! After a disastrous qualification and a start from the pit lane, the four-time world champion executed a masterful comeback at Interlagos. With a well-thought-out strategy, Verstappen impressively fought his way forward, managing to limit the damage in the drivers’ championship. Rival Lando Norris may have won his second consecutive race, but with this third-place finish, Verstappen keeps his – albeit slim – title hopes alive.
“That was a very, very good race,” Verstappen complimented his team over the radio. In his cooldown lap, he emphasized that Red Bull – even after a start from the pit lane – should not give up. “We must at least keep trying.” After the race, he expressed clear satisfaction. “It wasn’t a boring race, there was plenty of action on the track,” he responded with relief. “Starting from the pit lane, I obviously had to overtake quite a few cars, but our pace was generally quite strong.”
“I never expected to finish on the podium starting from the pit lane,” Verstappen beamed. “We even had a puncture in the opening laps, which required us to make another pit stop. This is a fantastic result for us. I am very proud of everyone on the team. Yesterday was a very tough day for us, but we never give up. To be only ten seconds behind the winner after all that chaos is incredible.”
Meanwhile, title rival Lando Norris won his second consecutive race in São Paulo. The difference between them currently stands at 49 championship points. Oscar Piastri remains in second place. Verstappen trails the Australian by 25 points.
