Verstappen admits slow start in São Paulo after Hamilton's opening lap

Max Verstappen has said he was disappointed not to match Lewis Hamilton's strong start at the São Paulo Grand Prix. Both started from the back after taking engine penalties, and Verstappen, who started 21st, was 13th at the end of the first lap as Hamilton ran ninth.

Verstappen said he had reacted slowly off the line because he was holding the clutch incorrectly, and then got caught in a traffic jam in the first three corners. He said Hamilton had made better progress through the same cars on that lap, but that he was passing cars almost every corner within two laps. He went on to finish second.

Verstappen also criticised the intermediate and full wet tyres, which he said were like a rock when cold. He called for a wider working range on the Extreme Wet and Intermediate compounds.