Left to his own devices against the McLarens, Max Verstappen limited the damage as best he could during this Brazilian Sprint Race. Starting 4th, the Dutchman managed to get rid of Charles Leclerc but then saw McLaren ask its drivers to swap positions with a view to the championship.
Thus, Oscar Piastri stepped aside in the final moments to let Lando Norris pass, giving him victory and above all allowing him to avoid a new battle against Max Verstappen. Although he lost two points in history (45 ahead of Norris), Max Verstappen was nevertheless satisfied with the performance of his RB20 as he will fall 5 places on the grid this Sunday (penalty for engine change).
« It was a race with a few pitfalls but I found our pace was very good as I could always stay in the DRShe rejoiced. I'm delighted on that point. I lost a lot of time behind Charles (Leclerc) but when everyone has DRS, it's difficult to attack. I had to wait for a few mistakes on his part and luckily they ended up happening. I was able to use them to my advantage. It's promising. Today (SATURDAY), the pace was good even if tomorrow (Sunday) it might rain. But overall it was good.
I expect them (McLaren) be very fast over a lap but we hope to be able to limit the damage knowing that there is this penalty of 5 places that I have. »
Qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. (French time) and will be followed live with commentary on AUTOhebdo.
READ ALSO > Oscar Piastri offers the sprint to Lando Norris, McLaren double
