Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen faced a challenging qualifying session at the 2025 Brazilian Grand Prix, qualifying down in P16. Despite this setback, the Dutchman put on a masterclass performance during the race to secure a podium finish.
### Struggles in Qualifying and Sprint Race
Verstappen’s difficulties began in qualifying, where Red Bull introduced some setup changes that unsettled the RB21. The car’s lack of stability was evident throughout Q1, resulting in Verstappen failing to advance beyond the first segment and ultimately starting the race 16th on the grid.
Earlier in the weekend, Verstappen had finished P4 in the Interlagos Sprint race, where he expressed concerns about the grip and ride quality of his car. Compounding his challenges, the Brazilian GP weekend featured only a single practice session to dial in setups, which likely contributed to Verstappen’s initial struggles.
### Race Day Heroics from the Pit Lane
Following qualifying, Red Bull chose to break parc fermé regulations and made overnight changes to Verstappen’s RB21. This decision meant the Dutchman had to start the race from the pit lane but also gave him a more comfortable car setup.
During the race, Verstappen quickly picked off backmarkers and climbed through the field despite an early setback—a puncture that forced an unscheduled pit stop. Undeterred, Verstappen overtook the midfield runners again with relative ease and soon found himself in the top 10.
In the final stages, Verstappen was firmly in contention for the podium. Switching to soft tires for the last stint, he executed a brilliant move to pass George Russell and move up into P3. Verstappen then chased down young Italian driver Kimi Antonelli for second place but was unable to make a clean pass before the checkered flag.
### Post-Race Reactions and Insights
Reflecting on the race, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Verstappen’s performance and the RB21’s race pace. When asked whether he expected Verstappen to challenge his drivers for a podium spot, Wolff remarked:
> “With Max, you can never write him off, even if he comes from the back. I think they did the right things in the car, and it was probably the fastest car of the race.”
Wolff has also reportedly been in discussions with Verstappen about a potential future move to Mercedes, underscoring his admiration for the four-time champion.
The 2025 Brazilian GP marked another highlight at Interlagos for Verstappen, a circuit where he has consistently delivered strong performances. His remarkable comeback did not go unnoticed by fellow drivers and competitors.
### Drivers React to Verstappen’s Comeback
As Verstappen parked his car in parc fermé post-race, young British driver Oliver Bearman expressed his surprise over team radio:
> “F**king hell Max, back to P3..? That is impressive.”
Kimi Antonelli, who finished P2, admitted after the race that he was caught off guard by Verstappen’s charge:
> “I don’t know where this guy came from, to be honest! I didn’t see it coming!”
Meanwhile, Lando Norris, who finished just behind, commented on the pace battle, saying that the McLaren was not significantly faster than Verstappen’s RB21 over race distance.
### Looking Ahead
Had it not been for the puncture, Verstappen might well have challenged Lando Norris for the victory. Nevertheless, his stunning recovery from the back of the grid showcased both his driving prowess and the RB21’s capabilities in race trim.
The 2025 Brazilian GP Sprint weekend presented unique challenges with limited practice time and setup restrictions, factors that Verstappen and Red Bull clearly adapted to in time for Sunday’s race.
This performance only fuels speculation about Verstappen’s future and potential moves within Formula 1, as the paddock looks forward to more thrilling battles in the seasons to come.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/f1/news-toto-wolff-feels-max-verstappen-fastest-car-f1-brazilian-gp
