During the 2026 São Paulo Grand Prix at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, Lando Norris secured victory for McLaren. Max Verstappen delivered a notable recovery drive, climbing from 21st on the grid to finish second. Isack Hadjar completed the podium for Red Bull, securing a double podium for the team.
Karun Chandhok, Sky Sports analyst, highlighted a specific moment involving Verstappen and Liam Lawson during the race. Chandhok observed a stark contrast in their interaction compared to a previous incident in Mexico.
Verstappen’s overtake on Lawson in São Paulo was described by Chandhok as remarkably straightforward. Lawson, driving for Racing Bulls, offered minimal resistance, allowing Verstappen to pass without significant challenge.
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This contrasted sharply with their encounter at the Mexico City Grand Prix earlier in the 2026 season. There, Verstappen and Lawson were involved in a contentious collision during Free Practice 2.
Both drivers received a one-place grid penalty and a penalty point for the Mexico incident. Chandhok had previously noted that the FIA had warned team principals about driver conduct in practice sessions prior to that clash.
In São Paulo, Verstappen’s charge from 21st saw him gain 11 positions in the opening lap alone. He was inside the top ten within three laps, demonstrating strong early pace on intermediate tyres.
Chandhok detailed Verstappen’s move on Lawson, explaining that Verstappen went wide at the Juncão corner, found superior traction, and then completed the overtake on the uphill section.
Despite Verstappen’s impressive recovery, Chandhok noted that his pace after the first pit stop was not as strong compared to his Red Bull teammate, Isack Hadjar.
Verstappen himself reported that his car felt ‘really bad’ and ‘undriveable’ after switching from intermediate to soft tyres. He cited strange balance issues and extreme oversteer in high-speed corners.
Chandhok also critiqued Red Bull’s strategy regarding a late pit stop for intermediates. He suggested that stopping when George Russell did would have been optimal, as the extra lap cost Verstappen time.
However, Chandhok concluded that this strategic decision did not ultimately affect the outcome. He believed Verstappen would not have defeated Lando Norris, stating McLaren possessed superior speed on the day.
The São Paulo Grand Prix was marked by continuously changing conditions, including rain, a drying track, and a late return to intermediates. Norris secured his third victory of the season.
Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team clinched the 2026 Constructors’ Championship at this event. George Russell finished fourth, with Kimi Antonelli securing fifth place, despite a post-race penalty.
Liam Lawson, who qualified third, briefly ran in second place during the opening laps of the race. He ultimately finished seventh after Charles Leclerc received a post-race penalty.
Lawson’s strong performance in Brazil has reportedly bolstered his chances of securing a 2027 Formula 1 race deal with Racing Bulls. He currently sits ninth in the 2026 drivers’ standings.
Karun Chandhok has been a vocal advocate for Lawson retaining his seat, describing any potential dismissal in favour of a less experienced driver as ‘unjust.’
