Key Highlights:
- Max Verstappen charged from 21st on the grid to finish second behind race winner Lando Norris at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
- Despite the podium result, Verstappen battled unexplained handling and balance issues following his opening stint on intermediate tyres.
- Isack Hadjar secured third place to give Red Bull a double podium, fending off Antonelli during tricky late-race rain and a near-miss in the pit lane.
Verstappen Carves Through the Field at Interlagos
Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen staged another sensational recovery drive at the AutĆ³dromo JosĆ© Carlos Pace, surging from the very back of the pack to take second place in a dramatic Sao Paulo Grand Prix. After multiple power unit component changes relegated the Red Bull driver to 21st on the grid for Sunday’s 71-lap contest, the Dutchman relied on a blisteringly quick opening stint on a wet but rapidly evolving circuit to slice through the field.
Taking full advantage of treacherous early conditions on intermediate tyres, Verstappen broke into the points within the opening laps. By the time the pack transitioned to slick dry-weather compounds, he had reached the fringes of the podium positions. Moving cleanly up to second during the middle portion of the Grand Prix, Verstappen eventually crossed the finish line 14 seconds behind polesitter and race winner Lando Norris following a late dash back to intermediate rubber when rain returned.
Yeah, it was a challenging race,
said Verstappen. I think the first few laps, of course, were very important.
I overtook a lot of cars, and actually, that first stint, I think on the intermediates, was really, really strong.
Handling Glitches Halt Charge for Victory
While the initial phase of the race allowed Verstappen to showcase his wet-weather mastery, the Dutch driver admitted that his car’s behavior shifted dramatically as the Grand Prix wore on, preventing him from mounting a direct assault on Norris for the win.
Unfortunately, after that, I don’t know if we picked up some kind of damage because the car felt like the complete opposite to anything that I’ve felt the whole weekend, with some really weird balance,
Verstappen explained.
Unfortunately, once I got into P2, I couldn’t really make any inroads. So we have to understand what went wrong there. But, I mean, starting P21 and being on the podium in second, I think, is a very good result.
The result adds another chapter to Verstappen’s remarkable track record at Interlagos. The venue has routinely brought out his best fightbacks, having previously taken victory in the wet from 17th on the grid in 2024 and converting a pit lane start into a third-place finish 12 months ago.
Hadjar Navigates Drama to Seal Double Red Bull Podium
It proved to be a banner day for Red Bull overall as Isack Hadjar captured third position, delivering the squad its second double podium of the season alongside their earlier success in Baku. Starting from fifth on the grid, Hadjar initially ran in second place before running wide at Turn 1, subsequently yielding the runner-up spot to the recovering Verstappen.
It was so, so difficult, so challenging, especially switching from the intermediate to the soft tyre, avoiding the traps,
said Hadjar. It was extremely difficult, especially in the pit lane. You saw how tricky it was to drive, and then more rain at the end.
So happy to be standing third today. But I need to keep making a bit less mistakes because I could have avoided a little awkward situation with Max.
So yeah, just want to apologise because I think on that stint I could have kept it a bit more on the track.
Hadjar also came under heavy attack from Antonelli as rainfall hit the circuit in the closing laps prior to their final pit stops. The Frenchman managed to survive both the on-track threat and an alarming slide upon entering his pit stall.
I was testing the grip for him [Antonelli], basically,
said Hadjar. I could see he was challenging me a lot, and I was on ice, and he was on ice as well, but it was well managed.
I nearly shunted into my pit crew when boxing, but they did a fantastic job. They kept their calm, and the pit stop was fast. So big thanks to the boys.
Why This Matters
Verstappen’s recovery drive from 21st to second demonstrates Red Bull’s formidable race execution in volatile weather conditions, even when tactical grid penalties force them to start from the rear. The team’s second double podium of the year underscores substantial progress for both cars, bolstered by Isack Hadjar’s growing composure against top-tier pressure. However, Verstappen’s post-race comments regarding unexplained balance issues and potential car damage highlight technical areas Red Bull engineers must analyze as they aim to match the raw pace of Lando Norris without relying on chaotic circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Max Verstappen start from 21st on the grid?
Max Verstappen started P21 at the AutĆ³dromo JosĆ© Carlos Pace after incurring grid penalties resulting from multiple power unit component changes made to his car ahead of the race.
Who won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix?
Lando Norris won the race from pole position, crossing the line 14 seconds ahead of second-placed Max Verstappen.
How did Isack Hadjar finish the race?
Isack Hadjar finished third after starting fifth, surviving intense late-race pressure from Antonelli and treacherous pit lane conditions to hand Red Bull a double podium finish.
