LEWIS HAMILTON stunned Red Bull with his monstrous speed as he will start ahead of Max Verstappen in sprint qualifying on Saturday. Hamilton’s fresh Mercedes engine saw him beat Verstappen by a commanding 0.4 seconds. Hamilton’s five-place engine penalty will not affect sprint qualifying meaning he will fight his title rival on the front row in the sprint before dropping back down the grid for Sunday’s grand prix. Hamilton said: “I’m so happy to be back here in Brazil. Verstappen crucially managed to split the Mercedes’ as Valterri Bottas will start third, which gives Red Bull a fighting chance for Saturday’s sprint. “For me it’s not a big shock, I am just happy to be second, that’s a good position to start from.

Follow MotorMouth on social media:

• 
• 
• 
•