Verstappen Warns qualifying Crucial to Combat McLaren Threat at 2025 São Paulo Grand Prix
São Paulo, Brazil – Max Verstappen conceded on 2025/10/19 that a strong qualifying performance is paramount for Red Bull this weekend at the São Paulo Grand Prix, stating that even avoiding elimination in the first qualifying round won’t be sufficient to challenge McLarenS pace. The reigning World Champion’s comments come ahead of Sunday’s race at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace, where McLaren has demonstrated notable speed in recent events.
The stakes are high as the 2025 Formula 1 season nears its conclusion, with both Red Bull and McLaren locked in a fierce battle for Constructors’ Championship points.Verstappen currently leads the drivers’ Championship, but McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have consistently challenged him in the last few races, securing multiple podium finishes and pole positions.A poor qualifying result for Verstappen could substantially hinder his chances of securing another victory and further solidifying his championship lead, while concurrently bolstering McLaren’s position.
“If we are not eliminated in Q1, it’s not enough against McLaren,” Verstappen stated, highlighting the competitive gap. He emphasized the need for Red Bull to maximize their performance throughout the qualifying sessions to stand a chance against the McLaren cars.
The São Paulo Grand Prix weekend is expected to be closely contested,with teams focusing on optimizing their car setups for the unique characteristics of the Interlagos circuit. Qualifying is scheduled for 2025/10/19, with the race taking place on 2025/10/20. The outcome of qualifying will likely set the tone for the race and could prove decisive in the ongoing battle for championship supremacy.
