Could Verstappen have won the Sao Paulo GP?

Max Verstappen remarkably overcame a challenging start to lead the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, a feat deemed "not bad" by the Red Bull driver himself. After a disastrous qualifying saw him fail to exit Q1, Red Bull made strategic parc ferme changes, including a new power unit and setup, forcing Verstappen to begin the race from the pit lane. Despite this significant handicap, the reigning champion showcased his formidable skill, steadily climbing through the field. By Lap 51, with 20 laps remaining, his race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase confirmed a truly unexpected achievement: "Something I didn't think I'd say: you are the race leader."