Max Verstappen of Red Bull won a chaotic race in Brazil, starting from 17th on the grid and securing his fourth Formula One victory of the season. His win tightened his grip on the championship title, with McLaren’s Lando Norris dropping from pole position to finish sixth. Verstappen now has a 62-point lead over Norris with three rounds remaining and the possibility of clinching the title in the next race in Las Vegas. The race was shortened to 69 laps due to multiple crashes, but Verstappen’s performance was described as one of the best of his career, with eight wins overall this season.
Verstappen credited his win to staying out of trouble, making the right calls, and maintaining composure throughout the chaotic race. He also noted the difficult driving conditions caused by heavy rain, likening it to “driving a boat or a jet-ski.” The victory ended a 10-race losing streak for Red Bull and showed Verstappen’s resilience and determination. With 393 points to Norris’s 331, the championship title seems within reach for the Dutch driver. McLaren leads the constructors’ standings with 593 points to Ferrari’s 557, showcasing the intense competition in the 2024 F1 season.
Verstappen’s father Jos, a former F1 driver, praised his son’s performance as “insane” while Red Bull team boss Christian Horner described it as a “champion’s drive.” The victory marked Verstappen’s fifth successive fastest laps in the closing stages and highlighted his exceptional talent in adverse conditions. Horner commended Verstappen’s unwavering determination and ability to maximize performance even in challenging situations. The Dutch driver’s win from 17th on the grid was a rare feat, reminiscent of Kimi Raikkonen’s victory at the 2005 Japanese Grand Prix.
The race in Brazil saw Norris struggle after starting from pole position and earning a 44-point gap behind Verstappen. Despite finishing sixth, Norris acknowledged the tough conditions and emphasized the importance of staying positive after a disappointing result. Verstappen’s commanding performance in Brazil solidified his position as a top contender for the championship title and showcased his ability to excel under pressure. With only three races remaining in the season, the competition between Verstappen, Norris, and other top drivers promises an exciting finale to the 2024 Formula One season.
