In a masterclass of wet-weather driving, Max Verstappen stormed from 17th on the grid to win the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday, moving him within striking distance of a fourth consecutive Formula 1 title. In a race marked by relentless rain, the Dutch driver demonstrated why he’s a three-time F1 champion, navigating a crash-laden circuit to extend his lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris from 44 to 62 points. With only three races and one sprint left in the season, Verstappen could clinch the title as soon as Las Vegas.
“Amazing,” said seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc called it “incredible,” while two-time champion Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin described it as “fantastic.” Even in a grid filled with world-class talent, Verstappen’s performance drew admiration from his rivals—except for Norris, who started on pole but finished sixth. Norris dismissed the win as “luck,” pointing to Red Bull’s pit strategy aligning perfectly with a red flag, allowing Verstappen to switch to fresher tires.
“He drove well, he got a bit lucky,” Norris said. “It’s not talent; it’s just luck.”
For Verstappen, the race was anything but straightforward. A five-place grid penalty from an engine change and an ill-timed qualifying interruption saw him start well outside the top ten. But from the moment the lights went out, he was relentless, surging past several cars before the end of the first lap and navigating through constant spray and chaos to finish almost 20 seconds ahead of Alpine’s Esteban Ocon.
“It was definitely an emotional win,” Verstappen admitted. “I put everything into this race and surprised myself—I wasn’t expecting to finish in P1.”
The performance didn’t just secure points; it sent a message to Verstappen’s critics, some of whom have questioned his aggressive driving style. Among them was former F1 champion Damon Hill, who acknowledged that Verstappen “silenced a few critics today.”
Verstappen couldn’t resist a jab at the British media, many of whom have been vocal about his driving in recent weeks. “I don’t see any British press here. Do they have to run to the airport, or do they not know where the press conference is?” he quipped, drawing laughter.
The Brazilian fans, historically loyal to the memory of their hero Ayrton Senna, were also won over by Verstappen’s determination. Carlos Santos de Araújo, a 65-year-old fan donning a Senna shirt and Mercedes cap, was impressed. “No one can be indifferent to what Max did today. 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.”
With his sights set on Las Vegas, Verstappen only needs to finish ahead of Norris to secure the 2024 title—a testament to a season that has showcased his grit and skill at every turn. For F1 fans worldwide, the performance at Interlagos will stand as one of Verstappen’s defining moments in his quest for greatness.
