Verstappen’s « Unexpected » Podium: How a Disastrous Start Led to a Shock Result
Max Verstappen secured one of the most surprising podiums of his career at the São Paulo Grand Prix, admitting afterward, « Getting on the podium, I didn’t expect it at all. » The Red Bull driver’s comments came after a stunning comeback drive that saw him carve through the field following a weekend that had all but written him off.
This incredible result was built on the foundations of a disastrous Saturday qualifying session, where changing conditions and setup gambles backfired, leading to a shock Q1 elimination for the reigning world champion.
From Q1 Disaster to Pit Lane Gamble
The weekend in Interlagos looked like a write-off for Verstappen long before the main race began. A difficult qualifying session saw him unable to find pace, resulting in a stunning elimination in the first part of qualifying. He was set to start the race from a lowly 16th on the grid.
However, the Red Bull team opted to take advantage of the poor starting position. By choosing to start the Grand Prix from the pit lane, they were able to break parc fermé regulations. This allowed them to make significant setup changes to the car, optimizing it for race pace and overtaking rather than the compromised setup they were stuck with after qualifying. While this meant sacrificing track position, it gave Verstappen a more competitive car for the 71-lap race.
A Comeback Drive Against the Odds
Verstappen’s fightback was relentless, but it was far from simple. His charge through the pack was complicated by an early-race puncture, forcing an unscheduled pit stop that dropped him back down the order.
Despite this setback, Verstappen demonstrated the aggressive race craft and pace he is known for. He systematically picked off his rivals one by one, making numerous overtakes. The optimized setup proved effective, allowing him to manage his tires and maintain a strong pace throughout his stints. As the race unfolded and others faltered, Verstappen climbed into the top 10, then the top five, and ultimately into an astonishing podium position by the time the checkered flag waved.
« I Didn’t Expect It At All »
Speaking after the race, Verstappen was visibly surprised by the outcome. His quote, « Getting on the podium, I didn’t expect it at all, » captured the mood of the team. He acknowledged the immense difficulty of the weekend, particularly the low of Saturday’s qualifying performance.
« Yesterday was very difficult, » he added, reflecting on the Q1 exit. He praised the team’s strategy and the car’s strong race pace, which made the comeback possible even with the early puncture. The result was a masterclass in damage limitation, turning what could have been a zero-point weekend into a significant haul of championship points.
Sources
- Motorsport.com (France). « Verstappen : ‘Monter sur le podium, je ne m’y attendais pas du tout’. » (November 9, 2025).
- Motorsport.com (France). « Verstappen ‘peut oublier’ le titre F1 2025 après son élimination en Q1. » (November 8, 2025).
- Motorsport.com (France). « Max Verstappen partira des stands à Interlagos. » (November 9, 2025).