How Max Verstappen beat Red Bull's own simulation tools with P2 in Brazil

For the third year in a row, Verstappen produced an impressive comeback drive in the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. While the Dutchman won from 17th on the grid in 2024 and climbed from the pitlane to third place last year, this time he charged from 21st to second.

According to Verstappen, his start on the uphill grid did not go to plan, although he took the blame himself after holding the clutch incorrectly, resulting in a slower reaction time. After that, however, the Dutchman made rapid progress. During his first stint on intermediates, he already had the podium positions in his sights, much sooner than Red Bull had ever expected based on its own simulations.