Max Verstappen has explained why Interlagos brings out the best in him after another remarkable Brazilian Grand Prix comeback, climbing from 21st on the grid to finish second. The Red Bull driver has gained an extraordinary 51 positions across the last three São Paulo Grands Prix, but despite his spectacular recovery drives, he has admitted that he would prefer to start much further up the grid in 2027.
Brazilian fans have always appreciated exceptional talent, and Max Verstappen has certainly returned that affection with a series of memorable performances at Interlagos. His latest charge through the field was another demonstration of his ability to recover from difficult starting positions, securing second place despite beginning the race from P21.
Max Verstappen explains the secret behind his Brazil GP comebacks
Interlagos is certainly no Monaco, with its layout offering considerably more overtaking opportunities. Nevertheless, the scale of Max Verstappen’s recovery drives remains extraordinary, with the Dutchman repeatedly achieving results that few other drivers currently appear capable of matching.
Even before the Brazilian Grand Prix, there was a widespread expectation that Max Verstappen would quickly fight his way back into podium contention, despite the considerable challenge ahead. What was far from guaranteed ultimately became reality as the four-time world champion delivered another outstanding recovery.
Asked to explain the secret behind his remarkable performances in Brazil, Max Verstappen pointed to the characteristics of the Interlagos circuit, particularly the freedom it gives drivers to explore different racing lines.
“It allows you to take different lines, and I think that’s a fantastic characteristic because it promotes racing. It’s a good circuit in both dry and wet conditions, and that creates more overtaking opportunities,” Max Verstappen explained.
However, the Red Bull driver emphasised that the circuit alone is not enough. Feeling comfortable with the car and having the confidence to take additional risks are equally important ingredients in producing such impressive recoveries.
“Obviously, you also need to feel comfortable in the car and have that confidence to take a few more risks, and that has worked pretty well for me here.”
Max Verstappen wants an end to recovery drives in 2027
Despite becoming renowned for his spectacular performances from the back of the grid, Max Verstappen would rather avoid having to repeat those heroics next season. His ambition is to qualify further forward instead of repeatedly facing the challenge of fighting through the field.
“Maybe next year I’d like to start a little further forward rather than from the back or the pit lane, but we’ll find out in 2027,” the four-time Formula 1 world champion admitted.
The comments come after a season in which Max Verstappen has experienced both difficult weekends and impressive recoveries, including Red Bull’s engine-related difficulties at the United States Grand Prix.
Verstappen strengthens second place ahead of Las Vegas GP
His latest Brazilian Grand Prix performance has also strengthened Max Verstappen’s position in the 2026 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship. With Andrea Kimi Antonelli having secured the world championship, the Red Bull driver is now focused on consolidating second place in the standings.
Max Verstappen currently holds a 17-point advantage over Mercedes driver George Russell and an 18-point lead over Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton. The battle for the remaining championship positions has also featured an intense fight between Ferrari and Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship.
With the Las Vegas Grand Prix approaching, Max Verstappen has another opportunity to extend his advantage over his closest rivals. The American street circuit could once again play to his strengths, potentially allowing the Red Bull driver to strengthen his grip on second place before the season concludes.
More Max Verstappen and Red Bull news
- Max Verstappen demands answers from Red Bull after United States Grand Prix
- McLaren’s difficult run allows Red Bull to draw level in the championship
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