Max Verstappen WINS, Norris makes UNACCEPTABLE MISTAKES and More at Brazilian GP
Starting from a seemingly insurmountable 17th position, Max Verstappen delivered an electrifying performance at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, transforming one of Formula 1’s most chaotic races into a showcase of skill, resilience, and strategic brilliance. Amid treacherous rain, multiple red flags, and a series of crashes, Verstappen not only navigated the infamous Interlagos circuit with precision but also demonstrated why he is a three-time world champion on the brink of his fourth title.
The drama began in a rain-drenched qualifying session delayed from Saturday, which quickly turned the track into an ice rink, resulting in five red flags and several major crashes. A poorly timed red flag during Q2, caused by Lance Stroll’s crash, left Verstappen out of qualifying and destined to start from 17th on the grid. While Lando Norris seized pole position with his championship hopes hanging by a thread, the disadvantageous start seemed to spell disaster for Verstappen and Red Bull.
But Verstappen’s command of the race was undeniable from the very first lap. Overtaking six cars with impressive braking precision on the slippery track, he rapidly ascended to sixth place. As conditions worsened, Verstappen’s calculated driving and Red Bull’s strategic decisions paid off handsomely, particularly during a rain-soaked moment when, despite the risk, they opted to keep Verstappen on track while most others pitted for intermediates. This choice proved pivotal when a red flag enabled Verstappen to move up to second for the restart, putting him within reach of victory.
From there, Verstappen’s drive was unstoppable. He overtook Esteban Ocon shortly after the restart, secured the lead, and built a comfortable gap of over 19 seconds to cement his victory. Meanwhile, Norris’s race unravelled with a series of costly errors and an underwhelming sixth-place finish, further dimming his championship hopes. Adding to the post-race suspense, Norris, George Russell, and other drivers faced investigations for irregularities during the aborted start, with Mercedes also under scrutiny for tire pressure adjustments.
The victory at Interlagos was not just a race win for Verstappen; it was a masterclass in weathering intense conditions with unparalleled skill and strategic acumen. Now 62 points ahead with only three races remaining, Verstappen’s fourth consecutive world title appears all but assured. His triumph in Brazil will undoubtedly go down as one of the most memorable and skillful performances of modern Formula 1, leaving fans eager for the season’s conclusion in Las Vegas, where he could officially secure his place as a four-time world champion.
