Helmut Marko does not understand ‘dangerous’ FIA decision during Sao Paulo Grand Prix

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Helmut Marko has criticised the FIA for allowing the drivers to race two extra laps when the conditions worsened during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen managed to recover from P17 on the grid by making up six places on the first lap, before overtaking another five drivers by Lap 11.

The Dutchman was later helped by a mid-race red flag after Franco Colapinto crashed, having decided not to pit to a new set of tyres like the leaders Lando Norris and George Russell.

Verstappen was among those who was calling for the race to be stopped according to Marko when speaking to Sky Sports Germany, who was left confused over the decision-making by Race Control to allow it to continue as the rain got heavier at the circuit.

Helmut Marko left confused over why FIA allowed Sao Paulo GP to continue in heavy rain

The rain took a significant turn for the worst 30 laps into the race, with drivers struggling to keep their cars on track.

Verstappen’s lap times were 20 seconds slower than the previous laps on the worn Intermediate tyres, prompting him to beg to Race Control to stop the race according to Marko.

“He was driving in his own world. When Max had free air, he was flying. His overtakes were sensationally deployed and when there was a lot of rain, he also begged to stop the race,” said Marko.

“I don’t understand why they drove two more dangerous laps, but it was a demonstration by Max. It is the right reaction to everything that has been going on lately.”

The stat that proved Max Verstappen was unstoppable at the end of Sao Paulo GP

Verstappen was on a mission right from the start of the Sao Paulo GP when he passed six cars on the opening lap, three of which were completed at the second corner at the start.

Karun Chandhok said his drive reminded him of Ayrton Senna’s at Donington in 1993, when the Brazilian lapped the entire field in similar conditions.

Verstappen’s lap times in 10 out of the final 11 laps were consistently good enough to be the quickest of the race, with him taking the fastest lap on Lap 67 of the shortened race distance.

It might just prove to be a pivotal race in the title battle with Norris, who dropped down to P6 after his ill-timed pit stop and mistake following the second restart which put him behind Leclerc.