In perhaps his best drive as a Formula 1 driver, Max Verstappen overcame adversity throughout the weekend to notch a decisive victory in Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
Verstappen started deep in the field in 17th after a grid penalty and chaotic morning qualifying session in the rain on Sunday.
However, the Oracle Red Bull Racing driver made quick work of his competition despite rain throughout. After snagging the lead after a red flag, the defending champion was unbeatable as he crossed underneath the checkered flag over 19 seconds ahead of runner-up Esteban Ocon.
“My emotions today have been a rollercoaster, with qualifying being really unlucky with that red flag,” said Verstappen. “Starting P17, I knew that it was going to be a very tough race but we stayed out of trouble, we made the right calls, we stayed calm and we were fine. All of these things together of course made that result possible. I mean, unbelievable to win here from so far back.”
It was Verstappen’s first grand prix victory in 10 races. He also became only the fifth F-1 driver to win a race after starting 15th or lower.Â
Behind Verstappen, Ocon led an Alpine double points effort with teammate Pierre Gasly placing third. It allowed the two-car team to vault from ninth to sixth in the constructors’ standings.Â
Noteworthy Moments
Lance Stroll’s day came to a close before it began as he spun during the formation lap, drawing confusion on the start of the race. A handful of drivers took off, including polesitter Lando Norris, George Russell, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. Those drivers will be investigated for a start procedure infringement.
Rain red-flagged the event after 33 of the 69 laps were completed with Ocon in front of Verstappen and Gasly.Â
One additional safety car was seen after the red flag was lifted for a crash by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. From there, Verstappen scampered his way to a decisive victory. Verstappen now holds a 63-point advantage over Norris with four races remaining.Â
Behind the podium finishers, Russell place fourth ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in fifth place. Norris, who was fresh off a sprint win and pole position, settled for sixth while teammate Oscar Piastri followed suit in seventh. Piastri was nabbed with a 10-second penalty after the race, dropping him to eighth.Â
Yuki Tsunoada benefited from Piastri’s penalty to rise to seventh. Tsunoada’s teammate Lawson crossed the finish line in ninth.Â
After a hefty battle with Red Bull’s Sergio Perez, Lewis Hamilton snagged the final points position in 10th.Â
Haas F-1 endured a tumultuous day with rookie Oliver Bearman placing 12th. Nico Hulkenberg was disqualified from the event after a shunt off-course.Â