Horner: Verstappen 'a fast kangaroo' in qualifying

Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner quipped Max Verstappen was "a fast kangaroo" after a complaint made by the Dutchman en route to pole position for the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Verstappen beat Ferrari's Charles Leclerc in an ultimately curtailed qualifying session as torrential rain, high winds, thunder and lightning descended on Interlagos midway through Q3.

Whilst the three-time F1 champion was up the top of the timesheets, Sergio Perez was less lucky with the conditions, as well as having to slow down for yellow flags as Oscar Piastri went off track at Junção in his McLaren.

"It was really raining like hell," Horner told Viaplay.

"We knew something was coming, but we didn't expect it to be so heavy. I think we acted well to put a lap down quickly.

"Checo was unfortunate because of the yellow flag. That's part of it, unfortunately."

Verstappen put a lot of pressure on the brakes

Verstappen complained his car was bouncing around 'like a kangaroo' in Q1 but Horner joked: "Max was a fast kangaroo!

"He put a lot of pressure on the brakes in the first corner, which didn't seem to work so well with little fuel. They changed some small things, after which things improved. That's where we fell a little short.

"I hope Max disappears on the horizon on Sunday, but it's always a competitive race here. We can't assume anything. In any case, better weather is predicted."