Max Verstappen put on another driving clinic after going unmatched in Saturday’s sprint victory in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
The Oracle Red Bull Racing driver shot ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris on the initial start, then set the pace for the remaining 24 laps.
“The start was key for us today: it was good to get the lead into turn one and it was important to keep the first few laps under control,” Verstappen said. “Tire management is incredibly difficult here because of the high degradation and I really had to look after them right from the beginning of the race. You can’t go flat out as it is a very long stint on the tires, so you do need to pick your moments.
“Ultimately, I am happy with how we managed the tyres and we have had some successful sprint races this year, which is positive. We will all learn a lot from today. Lando was also very close to me for the duration of the race so I expect it will be an even closer result tomorrow.”
Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez finished third to top of the podium finishers.
Mercedes’ George Russell led the two-car silver arrow brigade in fourth. Russell’s teammate Lewis Hamilton finished seventh.
Charles Leclerc wheeled his Ferrari to fifth.
Haas F-1’s Kevin Magnussen ran 16th with teammate Nico Hulkenberg finishing 18th.
Verstappen will start on pole for Sunday’s main event alongside Leclerc.