Max Verstappen charged from 21st to second at the São Paulo Grand Prix, earning praise from Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies for a recovery that has become familiar. The podium came despite Verstappen describing his car as extremely difficult to drive, with severe balance problems after the team switched to slick tires. Mekies also noted that Lando Norris appeared to have the edge on race pace.

By the Numbers
  • Verstappen climbed from 21st to second.
  • He gained 14 places in the first five laps.
  • Isack Hadjar finished third, giving Red Bull a double podium.
  • Verstappen said he spent 85% of the race in a badly handling car.
Yes, But

The comeback showcased Verstappen’s wet-weather skill, but he said the car’s handling was a “disaster,” especially on slick tires. He suspected something had broken, rather than the problem being tire degradation; Mekies acknowledged the team saw him wrestling with the car throughout the race.

Bottom Line

Verstappen’s second-place finish was a standout recovery, but it also exposed unresolved problems with the car’s balance. Red Bull leaves Interlagos with a double podium—and a technical issue to investigate.