Max Verstappen has had a bumpy start in Brazil. © APA/afp / NELSON ALMEIDA

Verstappen starts with problems in Brazil

In the thrilling three-way battle for the Formula 1 title, world champion Max Verstappen started the Brazilian Grand Prix with some problems.

07 November 2025

From: dpa

The 28-year-old had to settle for 17th place in his Red Bull during the only practice session in São Paulo. Championship leader Lando Norris set the fastest time, with Oscar Piastri in the second McLaren just 0,023 seconds behind in second place. The drivers of the traditional British racing team also made the best impression during the longer sessions.

Only one practice session will take place on the legendary Interlagos circuit before the qualifying round for the sprint race. The first World Championship points of the weekend will be awarded in the short race of just over 100 kilometers on Saturday (3:00 PM). The predicted rain could lead to chaotic conditions.

World Championship fight intensifies

Ahead of Sunday's 21st of 24 races this season (6:00 PM), Briton Norris leads Australian Piastri by just one point. Behind them, defending champion Verstappen from the Netherlands lurks, 36 points behind Norris, hoping for his chance to become world champion for the fifth time in a row. In practice, Verstappen cut short his fastest lap and was unable to keep pace with McLaren.