Max to start Sao Paolo sprint from P2: 'Not really a shock'

Published on 12 November 2021 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen will start the sprint that determines the grid for Sunday’s Sao Paolo Grand Prix from second place. Lewis Hamilton was quickest in the Friday qualifying session, with his Mercedes team mate Valtteri Bottas completing the top three, ahead of fourth-placed Sergio Perez.

“When Mercedes use a new engine, they have more power for a weekend”, said Max after quali. “So for me this isn’t really a shock and I’m happy to be second; it’s a good position to start. Of course, I want to be closer, but you have to be realistic, this was all we had.”

Looking ahead to the Saturday’s sprint, Max said: “There are not many points to gain, but I’m hoping for a good first lap and then we’ll see what happens. Sunday is the most important. It will look completely different as it will be hotter. It will change the behaviour of the cars, so we’ll see.”

During the first of the three qualifying segments, Max is off to a good start. His first timed lap grants him P1 at that moment in time and his effort sees him comfortably progress to Q2. Those who strand in the first part are Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), the Haas of Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin as well as the Williams of George Russell and Nicolas Latifi.

Yuki Tsunoda (Alpha Tauri), Esteban Ocon (Alpine), Sebastian Vettel (Aston Martin) and the Alfa Romeos of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi are the drivers that do not make it our of Q2, a session that sees Lewis Hamilton set the pace. The other front runners, Bottas, Max and Perez, also comfortably progess.

Q3 is a straight fight between the Mercs and Red Bulls for pole. After the first flying laps, Hamilton is quickest ahead of Max, Bottas and Perez.

In their second and final efforts to claim pole, it is only Hamilton who improves on his lap, cementing his pole for Saturday’s sprint, in which the reigning champion will line up next to Max on the front row.

Contest Brazilian GP: win a by Max Verstappen signed orange RBR Driver Cap 2021!

Results qualifying Brazil: