Bottas beats Verstappen to Sao Paulo sprint win as Hamilton fights back

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas beat Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in sprint qualifying and will start the Sao Paulo Grand Prix from pole position.

Verstappen’s title rival Lewis Hamilton, who started at the back after a technical infringement was found on his car, recovered superbly to fifth.

Hamilton has a five-place grid penalty for the grand prix for using too many engine parts and will start 10th. Verstappen’s second place extended his points lead to 21 over Hamilton.

It was a starring performance from Hamilton, who scythed through the field in clinically aggressive style, demonstrating superlative pace in his Mercedes.

In the context of an exceptionally difficult weekend, Hamilton will consider it a job well done after what was arguably one of his best performances of the season. (BBC Sport)