Verstappen realistic: 'For me it’s not a big shock'

Max Verstappen had to settle for second place during qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix. It ensures that the Dutchman will start the sprint race behind Lewis Hamilton.

However, the Red Bull driver is happy with his starting position. "I’m happy to be second, that’s a good position to start from in tomorrow’s sprint race. I always want to be closer but sometimes you have to be realistic. Mercedes have taken a new engine so naturally they have more power this weekend, so for me it’s not a big shock that they are ahead," he told Red Bull Racing's press release.

Verstappen has big expectations for Saturday, when the sprint race is scheduled. "There are not many points to gain tomorrow in the sprint race, so I hope we have a good start and we’ll see what happens from there. Of course, the most important race is on Sunday and I think it’s going to be a lot warmer which will change the behaviour of the car as well, so we’ll see."

Mercedes to face grid penalty

Hamilton will face a five-place grid penalty on Sunday. This is because Mercedes changed its combustion engine this weekend, which should prepare it for the final stretch of the Formula One season.