SAO PAULO — Max Verstappen’s remarkable comeback victory under challenging rainy conditions at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday not only brought him closer to securing a fourth consecutive Formula One title but also showcased the talents that have made him a three-time champion.
Starting from 17th position, Verstappen’s exemplary performance allowed him to ascend through the ranks and ultimately win the race, increasing his championship lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris from 44 to 62 points, with just three grand prix races and one sprint race left in the season. “Simply lovely,” Verstappen expressed on the team radio after crossing the finish line.
His peers were quick to praise him. Seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton called it “amazing,” while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc described it as “incredible.” Fernando Alonso, a two-time champion with Aston Martin, referred to it as “fantastic.” The only contrasting viewpoint came from Norris, who, after starting in pole position but finishing in sixth place, attributed Verstappen’s win to luck rather than skill, stating, “He drove well, he got a bit lucky. You take a gamble, and it has paid off for them. It is not talent; it is just luck.”
With only 86 points remaining in the season for grabs, Verstappen has the opportunity to claim the title in just two weeks by finishing ahead of Norris in Las Vegas. Initially, Verstappen faced challenges over the weekend at Interlagos, including a five-place grid penalty for an engine change and losing a point during Saturday’s sprint race due to another penalty. Compounding his difficulties, his qualifying session was disrupted, placing him in 12th position for the race.
However, the actual race turned out favorably for him. Verstappen maneuvered skillfully past his competitors at the outset and had gained several positions by the end of the first lap. In a race marked by numerous collisions and poor visibility due to the heavy water spray, he continued to pass car after car, ultimately finishing nearly 20 seconds ahead of Esteban Ocon, who placed second for Alpine. “It was definitely an emotional win,” Verstappen reflected. “I was really motivated and put everything into this race and I surprised myself today as I wasn’t expecting to finish in P1.”
His performance also served to address some criticisms he has faced regarding his aggressive driving style. Former F1 champion Damon Hill remarked, “(Verstappen) silenced a few critics today.” In the post-race press conference, Verstappen even took a playful jab at British journalists who had questioned him recently: “I have a quick question here. I appreciate all of you being here, but I don’t see any British press,” eliciting laughter from the room. “Do they have to run to the airport, or they don’t know where the press conference is?”
At Interlagos, many spectators were taken by Verstappen’s driving excellence. Some fans, like 65-year-old Carlos Santos de Araújo, were initially reluctant to support him due to his associations with Nelson Piquet, a rival of the late Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna. De Araújo noted that Sunday’s race altered how fans viewed Verstappen. “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,” he said, donning a Senna shirt paired with a Mercedes cap. “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.”
