Unbelievable to win Sao Paulo GP from so far back - Verstappen

Max Verstappen says he can’t believe he won the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from so far back on the grid after a sensational recovery drive on Sunday. Qualifying took place on Sunday morning and Verstappen was knocked out in Q2 due to the timing of a late red flag when Lance Stroll crashed. With a five-place grid penalty for exceeding power unit components already in place, Verstappen had to start from 17th, and while two cars ahead of him didn’t take the start he was still supreme in climbing through the field and then going on to win by almost 20s. “My emotions today have been a rollercoaster,” Verstappen said. “With qualifying being really unlucky with the red flag, starting P17, I knew that would be a tough race but we stayed out of trouble, we made the right calls, we stayed calm and we were fine. All of these things together make that result possible, but I think it’s unbelievable to win here from so far back on the grid.” A number of Verstappen’s moves were made into Turn 1 early in the race and he says he knew it would be crucial to his hopes to be be decisive trying to overtake and get himself into contention. “It’s very hard to pass around here with the new tarmac,” he explained. “There’s only one line you can take but I just knew I had to go for it. It’s easier if you’re at the front to try and balance that out, and I had confidence on the brakes. That helps.” More to come…