Max Verstappen triumphs in Brazil GP from 17th on the grid
SAO PAULO — In a race full of surprises and dramatic twists, Max Verstappen delivered a remarkable performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix, moving from 17th on the starting grid to claim victory in challenging wet conditions. The astonishing drive has brought the Red Bull driver close to his fourth world title, especially as his primary championship rival, Lando Norris, could only manage a sixth-place finish.
The victory in Brazil extends Verstappen's points lead over Norris to 62 points, setting the stage for a potential championship clinch at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.
"It's definitely an emotional win," Verstappen shared with reporters post-race. "This morning I was very upset, and my emotions have been going from left to right today. I surprised myself today to win here to be honest."
Verstappen reflected on the methods behind his maddeningly successful day, attributing much to strategy and calm decision-making.
"We had a really good start, we stayed out of trouble, we made good overtakes and we were very fast. We had made the right calls with the red flag to stay out and after that the rain came down and it was even undriveable on the wet tyre," Verstappen explained. "The calls with the team were super calm and amazing in helping me as well from the pit wall in making the right decisions. In races like this it's just massive to have that."
Verstappen's path to victory had been seemingly thwarted by complications leading up to the race. He endured a five-place grid penalty due to taking a sixth engine of the season and a five-second penalty that knocked him off the podium in Saturday's sprint race. During Sunday morning's qualifying session, a red flag prematurely ended his run, causing him to start 17th while Norris began from pole.
However, Verstappen's skill shone through as he charged up through the pack, gaining eight positions within the first few laps. While rain increased its grip on the track by Lap 28, the strategic choice to stay on intermediates, shared by Red Bull and the two Alpines, permitted Verstappen to maintain contention. A crash by Franco Colapinto induced a red flag, providing Verstappen with a fortuitous free pit stop.
Upon the race's restart, Verstappen exhibited a daring move to overtake Esteban Ocon for the lead, securing his third win at Interlagos. The race concluded with Ocon and Pierre Gasly completing a double podium for Alpine.
"I never thought I would win today," Verstappen confessed. "I had a good feeling that I could be P4. I feel comfortable, but of course from a young age I've been driving together in the wet with my dad and best friends and we've been practicing a lot of different scenarios every time."
"Naturally, that makes you comfortable in these conditions but in the end, the car still needs to work - it gave me confidence today and of course incredibly pleased with this result."
The victory marked Verstappen's eighth win of the season and his first since the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
With just three races remaining on the calendar, the Formula One title picture is becoming clearer, leading to what is sure to be an exhilarating Las Vegas Grand Prix next.
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