Verstappen left stranded in ‘no man’s land’ in São Paulo Sprint

©RedBull

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Max Verstappen endured a difficult outing at Interlagos on Saturday, finishing fourth in the São Paulo Grand Prix Sprint and admitting he felt stuck in “no man’s land” for most of the race.

The reigning world champion crossed the line 4.4 seconds behind race winner Lando Norris, unable to mount a challenge to the McLarens or Mercedes drivers ahead.

Starting sixth, Verstappen made up a couple of positions early on but soon found himself isolated in a lonely race, unable to close the gap to the leaders. Speaking afterward, the Dutchman made no secret of his frustration with Red Bull’s current form.

“We will make some changes and hopefully that will bring the car in a better window,” he said. “Hopefully that will allow us to push a bit better on the tyres, then we will see what happens.

“Like this, you're in no man's land. I can't really stay with the guys ahead. I want to. If we can find a bit more, maybe I can fight with Mercedes.”

©RedBull

The result keeps Verstappen third in the drivers’ championship, now 39 points adrift of Norris and 30 behind Oscar Piastri, who crashed out of the Sprint.

But despite closing slightly on his McLaren rival, Verstappen left Interlagos’ short-format race dissatisfied with the Red Bull’s performance — and looking for overnight answers.

‘We just don’t have the grip’

Verstappen’s frustrations have been simmering since Friday’s Sprint qualifying, where he complained of vibrations and handling issues that prevented him from getting the car into a competitive rhythm.

“A lot of vibration in the car, a lot of just ride problems,” he explained after Friday’s session. “So, yeah, not what we want. But I mean, besides that, I think also we just don't have the grip.

São Paulo Grand Prix - Sprint Race results

“The middle sector is terrible, so just can't get the car to turn. But at the same time, also, I can't really rely on the rear. So, yeah, for us, just quite poor, I would say. Yeah, that's what it is.”

Red Bull will have only a few hours to analyse the data and adjust setup before qualifying for Sunday’s grand prix. But Verstappen remains confident that with the right tweaks, he can at least take the fight to Mercedes and maybe to Mclaren – though Interlagos, so far, has not been a happy hunting ground.

If Saturday was “no man’s land,” Verstappen will be determined to turn Sunday into a battlefield.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.