Will Verstappen win in Brazil? 'Hoping that we can be on the podium again'

Max Verstappen will start from second place for today's Brazilian Grand Prix. On Friday afternoon he also qualified in that position, but due to the disqualification of Lewis Hamilton he started from P1 for the sprint race. However, he lost that spot to Valtteri Bottas and so he will start from P2 after all, with a Mercedes driver in front of him. Nevertheless, the Dutchman remains hopeful of a victory.

"It all looks pretty good for today, but it's a long race where a lot can happen. Hopefully we can just get back on the podium," explained the Dutchman in The Build Up before the Brazilian Grand Prix. During the Dutchman's interview, many cheers could be heard in the background. When asked if he notices the support is bigger than at other races, Verstappen reacts sober.

Verstappen is not going to take less risk

"That's normal, that the public shows more support for a certain driver at a circuit. I'm really happy we're here now and hopefully we'll have a good race". Verstappen will at least hope to get past Valtteri Bottas, who will start from pole position, in the first corner. The Finn managed to take the lead from P2 on Saturday and that is also the Dutchman's plan.

He did make it clear that, despite his position in the championship, he is not going to take more or less risk."I will go into the start as I always do. We always try to have the best possible start and then it's a very long race with many laps, so a lot can happen," the Dutchman said.