Max Verstappen’s remarkable comeback in the rainy conditions at the Brazilian Grand Prix did more than bring him within reach of a fourth consecutive F1 title. It snapped a 10-race winless streak and showcased exactly why he’s a three-time world champion. Climbing from 17th on the grid to seize victory, Verstappen extended his lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris from 44 to 62 points, with only three Grands Prix and one sprint race left in the season.
The weekend at Interlagos seemed set to test Verstappen’s resilience. A five-place grid drop after his sixth engine change of the season, coupled with a penalty that shaved off a point in the sprint race, put him on the back foot. Adding to the challenge, an untimely qualifying interruption prevented him from logging a fast lap, forcing him to start from 12th on the grid.
But once the race began, Verstappen turned the odds in his favor. He charged through the pack right from the outset, gaining several positions within the first lap. Battling through intense spray and low visibility, he executed precise overtakes, eventually finishing nearly 20 seconds ahead of Alpine’s Esteban Ocon in a truly dominant drive.
MAX VERSTAPPEN PUT ON A SHOWCASE IN THE RAIN‼️
What a drive 👏 pic.twitter.com/Lf8EnqE0qp
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) November 3, 2024
The Dutchman was praised by his fellow drivers and rivals. “Amazing drive, congrats,” Hamilton wrote on his social media. Hamilton and Verstappen had a tense rivalry just three years back, with the pair clashing on track multiple times. Yet, the British driver didn’t hesitate to applaud his 2021 title contender for a stellar showing in São Paulo.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also appreciated his rival while talking to Sky Sports post-race: “We knew the Red Bull would be good today, but honestly I think today it was more Max that made the difference than the car.”
Fernando Alonso also offered high praise for Verstappen after the race, echoing sentiments similar to Hamilton’s. The two-time world champion from 2005 and 2006 commented, “Brilliant drive, well done.”
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner praised the skill of his ace driver, labeling Verstappen’s performance as one of his best. “I think in those conditions the drivers’ skill really comes to a fore and he was in a league of his own,” Red Bull boss Christian Horner told Sky Sports.
“As a team, we got all the cars right and the car had a great pace. An outstanding drive, to come from 17th, this morning it felt like everything had gone against us but he turned it around. It was an incredible performance from him, one of his very best.”
Next up, F1 will travel to Nevada for the Las Vegas Grand Prix where Max Verstappen has a chance to wrap up his fourth F1 driver’s title.
Read More: Lando Norris Makes “Lucky” Remark on Max Verstappen’s Sensational Sao Paulo Win
Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
