Verstappen surprised to be second in F1 championship

Max Verstappen says he is surprised to be second in the Formula One championship after a difficult start to the season, having won three of the past four races.

The Red Bull driver made the comments at the press day for the São Paulo Grand Prix. He trails Italy’s Kimi Antonelli, who, according to the report, clinched his first world title in Mexico City on Sunday.

“It's a big surprise, but we’ll take it as it is,” Verstappen said. He said Red Bull had faced problems early in the season and that the car had not been as the team wanted.

Verstappen’s first podium came at the fifth race, in Canada, where he finished third. He did not take his first win until the 16th race, the Bahrain Grand Prix, which was held in Malaysia. He said the team had continued looking for improvements and had not given up.