Max Verstappen breathed a huge sigh of relief after his spectacular victory in the rain-hit Brazilian Grand Prix saw him close in on the 2024 Formula 1 world drivers’ title.
While his nearest championship rival Lando Norris faltered, finishing sixth after starting from pole, Verstappen held his nerve with a flawless performance in the wet.
The reigning world champion served up an incredible 17 fastest laps as he powered his way up from 17th on the grid to glory.
Watch: How the Right Calls Led to Verstappen’s Incredible Comeback – F1 Brazil GP Race Reaction
Having barely put a wheel wrong, his opponents slid off track and duffed the barriers, making it arguably Verstappen’s most impressive performance in the wet. His victory, plus the bonus point for setting the fastest lap, means he increased his lead on Norris to 62 points.
The Red Bull driver can win his fourth straight title next time out in the Las Vegas Grand Prix, as this year’s drivers’ championship battle fizzled out on lap 43 in Brazil. As Verstappen passed Esteban Ocon for the lead, Norris went wide into Turn 1 and required a positional swap with team-mate Oscar Piastri to retake sixth.
Verstappen’s first grand prix win since the Spanish GP on 23 June all-but kills off Norris’ slim chance of snatching his maiden title.
The Dutchman said: “This was, of course looking at it now, incredibly important, because in a way I was expecting to lose points. From now, I just want clean races to the end [of the season].
“I am not thinking about clinching the championship in Vegas or whatever. I just want clean races. That was important. I wanted to win a bit sooner but it’s been tough for us.
“We always kept pushing. We didn’t really understand why the others were so fast in the race.
“I’ve been trying a lot of things to improve the car. Starting P17 this morning didn’t look like we’re going to win the race again. So, it’s an incredible result for us.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing RB20
Photo by: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
“A massive boost for the team because honestly it’s been tough. But it is also a big strength of the team to stay calm and just try to work on performance and try to improve our situation.
“I’m confident for the last three races, that we can fight again and, especially in the race, that we will be more competitive.”
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