Max Verstappen Drives From 21st to 2nd
Max Verstappen finished second in the São Paulo Grand Prix after starting from the 21st grid position due to a motor change penalty.
Lando Norris won the race for the second year, while Isack Hadjar secured the final podium spot in the second Red Bull car.
The race started under wet conditions with drivers on intermediate tires. Verstappen advanced to fifth within the first ten rounds before teams switched to dry-weather tires around the 15th lap.
Laurent Mekies Praises Driver Performance
Red Bull team boss Laurent Mekies stated that Verstappen’s recovery drive surpassed simulator predictions. “There is no simulator that can predict that you drive from P21 to P2, or that you gain fourteen positions in five laps,” Mekies said.
Hadjar also earned high praise from the team leadership. Mekies noted that it was likely Hadjar’s best race for Red Bull based on pure race pace across both normal and wet tires.
Mercedes Secures the Constructors Title
Mercedes claimed the constructors’ championship with three races remaining in the season. George Russell finished fourth and Kimi Antonelli placed fifth at Interlagos.
The German team accumulated 652 points to secure their ninth constructors’ title and their first since 2021. Ferrari holds 512 points in the standings after Charles Leclerc finished seventh and Lewis Hamilton ninth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Max Verstappen start in 21st position?
Verstappen received a grid penalty for a motor change ahead of the São Paulo Grand Prix.
Who won the São Paulo Grand Prix?
McLaren driver Lando Norris won the race for the second year after being the fastest in qualifying on Saturday.
How many points does Mercedes have in the championship?
Mercedes holds 652 points following the race in Brazil, sealing the constructors’ title ahead of Ferrari’s 512 points.
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