Brazil GP: Verstappen triumphs; Norris attributes victory to fortune
SAO PAULO - In an electrifying Brazilian Grand Prix where weather played a chaotic role, Max Verstappen emerged victorious, seizing first place after starting from 17th on the grid. Lando Norris, who began the race from pole position, suggested post-race that luck was on Verstappen's side, as the result dealt a significant blow to his own championship aspirations.
The rainy conditions at Interlagos worked in Verstappen's favor, allowing him to leap from fifth place to a promising second before leveraging a red flag stoppage to change tires and ultimately secure a commanding victory. The win now positions him 62 points ahead of Norris, with the opportunity to clinch the title in Las Vegas if he maintains a 60-point lead.
"He drove well, he got a bit lucky," Norris remarked about Verstappen's performance.
Norris’ lead faded after a pit stop on Lap 28, which saw him fall behind Verstappen just prior to the race being halted on Lap 32 due to worsening conditions. Verstappen took advantage during the stoppage to switch to fresh tires, a controversial rule that permits such changes under red flag conditions.
Norris was candid with reporters regarding his frustrations: "It shouldn't have been red flagged, that was the crash in the end which caused the red so that's life sometimes. You take a gamble and it's paid off for them. It's not talent, it's just luck."
Despite a feisty drive from Norris, he eventually slid to sixth place by the finish, dimming his hopes of contesting this year's title further.
"They got lucky on a rule [the freedom to change tyres under a red flag] that no one agrees with. Probably them they agreed with it but every driver has disagreed with it in the past," Norris continued. "Today it benefitted them, it could have benefitted us if we just stayed out, but that's a stupid thing to think of. Just a bit unlucky today, nothing more. Of course, disappointing."
Acknowledging the performance gap, Norris admitted that Verstappen proved to be the faster driver during the race. "We weren't quick enough. Max was easily quicker than us," he conceded. "I think if he went from the front, he probably would have lapped us. Pace is good, but the Red Bull was way faster."
As the championship moves to Las Vegas, the tension builds with Verstappen in the driver’s seat to potentially secure the title on the celebrated street circuit.
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