Verstappen's charge worried McLaren in Brazil

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has admitted that Max Verstappen's early pace in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix caused concern at the race-leading team. Norris won from pole position, but the race was not straightforward. Verstappen started 21st after taking a back-of-the-grid penalty for an engine change, yet he quickly moved into the points-paying positions in treacherous conditions.

Stella said the early laps posed a clear threat, pointing to the premium placed on generating tyre temperature. He also praised the way Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton gained positions on the first lap. Hamilton, however, lost a position to Ollie Bearman for completing a pass off the track and stalled in the lower reaches of the top 10.

As the track dried and soft slick tyres became the preferred choice, Norris extended his advantage over Verstappen, who was increasingly vocal on the team radio as his Red Bull developed various problems.