Verstappen: I didn't expect to be on the podium at all.

Verstappen: I didn't expect to be on the podium at all.

      Max Verstappen finished third in São Paulo after starting from the pit lane. Following a fan vote, Max was named "Driver of the Day." And although over the weekend the Red Bull Racing driver fell further behind the leader in the drivers' standings, Lando Norris, Max is pleased with the race result.

      His teammate Yuki Tsunoda received two 10‑second penalties (for a collision with Lance Stroll and for serving the first penalty incorrectly) and finished last.

      Max Verstappen (3rd): "The race was eventful. After starting from the pit lane I had to overtake several rivals.

      I had a fairly strong pace in all stints. I really didn't expect to get on the podium, especially after having to pit right at the start because of a puncture. Simply an incredible result, and I'm very happy. I'm proud of everyone in the team.

      Yesterday was tough, but we never give up. We always try to improve and find a way to make up time. Fortunately, today we managed to do that again. It's just incredible that I finished ten seconds behind the leader."

      Yuki Tsunoda (17th): "I regret the contact with Lance — it wasn't intentional. It's probably my mistake, so I apologize.

      It's a shame the weekend turned out the way it did. Nothing was working — one of the worst weekends, and I don't know why. The car simply had no grip on the track — that's it."

Other articles

Red Bull to finalize its 2026 driver lineups in Abu Dhabi. Red Bull to finalize its 2026 driver lineups in Abu Dhabi. Red Bull to finalize its 2026 driver lineups in Abu Dhabi. Drivers split on suggested two-stop regulation. Drivers split on suggested two-stop regulation. Formula 1 | The ongoing quest for increased excitement in Formula 1 may soon lead to a significant overhaul, as the sport is looking into mandatory two-stop strategies (…) Leclerc uneasy as Hamilton dismisses speculation regarding Ferrari's future. Leclerc uneasy as Hamilton dismisses speculation regarding Ferrari's future. Formula 1 | Although Ferrari is currently ranked second in the constructors' standings, just ahead of Mercedes and Red Bull, the team's season continues to be fraught with tension and (…) Vettel supports Verstappen in maintaining the championship battle. Vettel supports Verstappen in maintaining the championship battle. Formula 1 | Sebastian Vettel has returned to the Formula 1 paddock, not in his role as a driver, but to advocate for his new environmental initiative aimed at protecting (…) Pierre Gasly: The result matches our level. Pierre Gasly finished eighth in the sprint and tenth at the São Paulo Grand Prix, earning Alpine their first two points since the July round in Spa over the weekend. "I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. Regarding F1, Schumacher admitted it still resonates with him emotionally. "Of course, Formula 1 is still on my mind," he noted. "And if an opportunity arises, I probably wouldn’t refuse. Formula 1 remains close to my heart." "I have some excellent options available." Mick Schumacher has stated that he has not yet made a decision regarding whether his racing career will continue in endurance racing or move to IndyCar, as Alpine seeks clarity on his plans for 2026. During an interview with Speed Week at the World Endurance Championship finale in Bahrain, the 26-year-old confessed: "I still need to determine what I want to do in 2026. I have choices—except for Formula 1. I have some excellent options on the table." Schumacher has spent two seasons with Alpine in the WEC but has recently completed a promising test with Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing in IndyCar, which has sparked speculation about a potential move to the US series. "It was a lot of fun," he remarked about the test. "The car felt like an accelerated Formula 2 car with superior tires. The atmosphere was great—the people at RLL are very skilled and approachable. I was impressed by the Americans’ enthusiasm for motorsport." "I’ve always enjoyed single-seaters, so an IndyCar season is a strong possibility. However, I’ve also settled in well at Alpine—these two years have been enjoyable. It would be ideal to have clarity and a contract by the end of the year." Nonetheless, Alpine appears to be growing impatient. Team principal Philippe Sinault was quoted by TZ Munchen: "It’s time for a decision. As you can imagine, we need clarity as soon as possible." Sinault emphasized that the French manufacturer wants to keep Schumacher in its endurance lineup. "He’s truly enjoying his time with us, you can count on that. If he wants to stay, we certainly want to continue with him." Alpine motorsport chief Bruno Famin confirmed that "no decision has been made yet regarding the 2026 driver lineup," as the team balances its WEC program with its Formula 1 obligations. Regarding F1, Schumacher admitted it still resonates with him emotionally. "Of course, Formula 1 is still on my mind," he noted. "And if an opportunity arises, I probably wouldn’t refuse. Formula 1 remains close to my heart." Formula 1 | Pirelli may implement a maximum tyre mileage regulation for the upcoming Qatar Grand Prix due to concerns about a recurrence of the structural failures experienced at Losail last year. (…)

Verstappen: I didn't expect to be on the podium at all.

Verstappen: I didn't expect to be on the podium at all.