Max Verstappen handed sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix verdict

Max Verstappen has emerged as the clear favourite among RacingNews365 readers to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with 32.6 per cent backing the Red Bull to perform a sensational recovery.

Kimi Antonelli, the championship leader, was the next most popular pick on 22.5 per cent, with Liam Lawson a surprise third on 15.9 per cent. 

Lando Norris followed on 14.8 per cent, while Lewis Hamilton, fresh from his runner-up finish in Mexico, drew 7.3 per cent of the vote.

The remaining contenders were well off the pace in the poll. George Russell managed 3.3 per cent, Nico Hülkenberg 1.8 per cent, Charles Leclerc 1.4 per cent and Isack Hadjar just 0.4 per cent.

Verstappen's support comes despite Red Bull fitting a fresh internal combustion engine, turbocharger and exhaust on his car for the weekend, forcing him to start at the back of the grid, as is Hamilton. 

The Dutchman has also flagged that this year's energy deployment regulations make overtaking down the Interlagos main straight tougher than in previous seasons, with smaller closing speeds between cars.

Even so, readers appear to be banking on history repeating itself. Interlagos has long been a happy hunting ground for Verstappen, whose most famous win there came in 2024, when he recovered from seventeenth on the grid to triumph in treacherous conditions.

The circuit's reputation for shifting grip levels, rain and safety cars has repeatedly rewarded strong car control and bold strategy calls, qualities that have defined the four-time champion's drives there in the past.

Check out the full poll results below!