SAO PAULO — Max Verstappen‘s remarkable come-from-behind victory amid the torrential downpour at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday not only brought him a significant step closer to clinching his fourth consecutive Formula One championship but also served as a powerful reminder of his prowess as a three-time champion.
Following a disappointing 10-race winless streak, Verstappen showcased his extraordinary driving skill, advancing from 17th position at the start to capture a sensational win that expanded his lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris from 44 to a commanding 62 points, with only three grand prix races and a sprint race left to run this season.
“Simply lovely,” Verstappen exclaimed over the team radio, succinctly summing up his emotions after clinching the hard-fought triumph.
His performance earned accolades from his fellow competitors, with seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes calling it “Amazing,” and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc gushing that it was “Incredible.” Aston Martin’s two-time champion Fernando Alonso added his praise by labeling it “Fantastic.”
In contrast, Norris, who had started in pole position but ultimately finished sixth, expressed his frustration over the race’s outcome, suggesting that luck played a significant role, particularly after his team made a crucial pit stop right before a red flag halted the race.
“He drove well, he got a bit lucky,” Norris commented. “You take a gamble, and it has paid off for them. It is not talent; it is just luck.”
Looking ahead, with only 86 points available for the remainder of the season, Verstappen’s path to securing the title is straightforward: he needs to finish ahead of Norris during the upcoming race in Las Vegas in two weeks.
Despite facing a challenging weekend at Interlagos, including a five-place grid penalty due to an engine change, losing a point from Saturday’s sprint race due to another penalty, and experiencing bad luck during qualifying that left him in 12th place, Verstappen’s fortunes turned dramatically during the race.
With impressive skill and determination, he swiftly moved past competitors at the start and was already ahead of several cars before the first lap concluded. Navigating a collision-heavy race complicated by reduced visibility due to the relentless spray from the cars ahead, Verstappen’s overtaking maneuvers enabled him to finish almost 20 seconds clear of second-place finisher Esteban Ocon of Alpine.
“It was definitely an emotional win,” Verstappen stated, reflecting on the intense motivation that fueled his extraordinary race performance. “I was really motivated and put everything into this race and I surprised myself today as I wasn’t expecting to finish in P1.”
Verstappen’s emphatic win also served to quiet some of his critics, who had previously characterized his driving style as excessively aggressive. “(Verstappen) silenced a few critics today,” remarked former F1 champion Damon Hill, acknowledging the shift in perception.
At the post-race press conference, Verstappen cleverly addressed a noticeable absence of British journalists, humorously asking, “I have a quick question here. I appreciate all of you being here, but I don’t see any British press. Do they have to run to the airport, or they don’t know where the press conference is?” drawing laughter from those present.
Reactions from fans at Interlagos also highlighted the impact of Verstappen’s performance. Many, like Carlos Santos de Araújo, 65, were initially reluctant to support him due to his connections to Nelson Piquet, the father of his girlfriend Kelly and a rival of the late Brazilian three-time champion Ayrton Senna.
However, Sunday’s race reshaped their views, with de Araújo stating, “No one can be indifferent to what Max did today. I am sure he will think this the best race of his life, one of the best here at Interlagos. Hardcore F1 fans like me do like him as a driver, but today probably changed his status for us all. Anyone who thought he was just cold and sometimes arrogant will see the fighter that he was to win this. That adds to him being a champion.”
**Interview with Motorsport Analyst, Jane Doe, on Max Verstappen’s Recent Victory at the Brazilian GP**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Jane. Max Verstappen had an incredible comeback in the Brazilian GP, moving from 17th to first in challenging conditions. What stood out to you the most about his performance?
**Jane Doe:** Thank you for having me! Verstappen’s ability to navigate through the pack under such adverse conditions was remarkable. It truly showcased his skill as a driver. Starting from 17th and finishing first not only highlights his talent but also his strategic thinking and adaptability during the race.
**Interviewer:** It’s interesting you mention strategy. Lando Norris expressed that luck played a role in Verstappen’s victory. Do you think luck outweighs skill in a race like this?
**Jane Doe:** While Norris is right in saying that certain elements of luck, such as timely pit stops and the red flag, can influence the outcome, I believe Verstappen’s skill was the deciding factor. He not only capitalized on those moments but also executed overtaking maneuvers flawlessly, which is something that requires immense talent and precision.
**Interviewer:** Indeed, the race was fraught with challenges, including visibility issues and collisions. How do you think these factors affected the dynamics of the race overall?
**Jane Doe:** The weather played a huge role in complicating the race, but that’s where a driver’s instincts and experience come into play. Verstappen was able to maintain calm and focus, while other drivers struggled to find that rhythm. His performance becomes even more impressive when you consider these difficulties.
**Interviewer:** Looking ahead, with only a few races left in the season, what does this win mean for Verstappen’s championship bid?
**Jane Doe:** This victory was crucial for Verstappen. With a 62-point lead over Norris, he’s in a strong position to clinch his fourth consecutive championship. He just needs to maintain consistency and finish ahead of Norris in the upcoming races. Given his skill level, it looks promising for him.
**Interviewer:** what did you make of the reactions from other drivers, particularly Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso?
**Jane Doe:** The admiration from Hamilton and Alonso speaks volumes about Verstappen’s current standing in the sport. Their words reflect both respect for his talent and acknowledgment of the challenge he poses. It’s not often that seasoned champions praise their competitors in such a manner, which highlights how impressive his performance was.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Jane. Your insights are always enlightening, and it’s clear that Verstappen’s victory has set the stage for an exciting finale to the season!
**Jane Doe:** Thank you! I’m looking forward to seeing how this championship unfolds.