SAO PAULO (Reuters) -Max Verstappen surprised even himself with a pitlane to podium charge at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday, a year on from winning the race from 17th on the grid in another career highlight.

A day after writing off his Formula One title hopes, Red Bull's four-times world champion gave his fans fresh hope -- at least for some of the afternoon -- with a stirring and spirited fightback at Interlagos.