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Max Verstappen reveals secret to his Interlagos rain mastery

Max Verstappen put in yet another masterclass in changeable conditions, taking second at the chequered flag from 21st at the F1 Sao Paulo GP.

By Anirban Aly Mandal · Motorsport Week

Published: Thursday, 12 November 2026 at 9:02 AM

Key Things to Know

Max Verstappen credited confidence and using alternative racing lines for his wet-weather success at Interlagos.
Verstappen drove from 21st on the grid to finish second behind Lando Norris in Sao Paulo.
The Red Bull driver noted his car's balance deteriorated significantly after switching from intermediates to slick tires.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen attributed his strong wet-weather performances at Interlagos to confidence, car comfort, and experimenting with alternate racing lines to find grip. Starting from 21st on the grid following an engine-related penalty, Verstappen charged through the field to secure a second-place finish behind McLaren's Lando Norris at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Verstappen noted that his opening stint on intermediate tires was decisive, though car balance deteriorated after switching to slick tires, preventing a challenge for victory. The podium finish elevated Verstappen above Lewis Hamilton into second place in the Formula 1 drivers' championship standings.

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