Max Verstappen’s exceptional drive in Brazil showcased skill and strategy, marking one of his most impressive performances to date.
The 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix showcased a display of driving and strategy, highlighted by Max Verstappen’s exceptional comeback and the struggles of several competitors, including Lando Norris and the Ferrari team.
The race outcome was marked by a blend of seized opportunities and frustrations amid changing weather and bold strategies.
Max Verstappen demonstrated the full range of his talent in a race that could well rank among his most memorable performances. Starting from 16th after a five-place penalty, Verstappen remained patient, calculating each move to climb through the pack.
Taking advantage of a mid-race red flag to change tires without losing time, he then took the lead by overtaking Esteban Ocon at the restart. On a track with slippery asphalt and a single optimal line, Verstappen showed remarkable courage and precision, setting benchmark lap times.
His victory, with nearly a 20-second lead over Ocon, underscored his undeniable dominance despite an unfavorable starting position.
Lando Norris, on the other hand, faced a frustrating race. Although he started from pole position, he quickly lost ground in wet conditions that exposed his struggles on a drenched track.
Forced to follow the quicker pace of Verstappen and the Alpines, Norris saw his chances diminish after the red flag allowed competitors a free tire change. He then fought to hold his position against well-paced rivals, voicing his frustration with a red flag rule that proved costly.
The Brit acknowledged that it wasn’t McLaren’s day, pointing out his own lack of pace in conditions where grip control and patience were key.
With Zandvoort 2023, Hockenheim 2019, and Interlagos 2016, Interlagos 2024 will be remembered as one of the greats for the Dutchman. Is it his best career victory? Starting 17th and finishing 1st with a 20-second lead is unprecedented for him.
“Yes, honestly, I don’t even know where to begin!” Max Verstappen smiled last night.
“My emotions went from massive frustration after qualifying to winning the race. Starting 17th… I knew we could have a good race, but in qualifying, it was clear there was only one possible line. So, I knew overtaking would be tough.”
That’s why making early passes right from the green lights was crucial. And indeed, everything started well for Max Verstappen, who, as often, had a lightning start.
“In the race, we got off to a good start, a strong first lap. From there, we managed to pass a few drivers. After that, I was stuck behind Yuki’s train for a bit. We stayed calm; it was a long race.”
“We made the right calls. When some changed tires, the rain was coming, and we stayed out, which was very risky. I saw Esteban ahead, running four seconds faster per lap, and I was just trying to keep the car on the track.”
“I was really motivated to have a good race and let the flow decide. In rainy conditions, crazy things can always happen. Soon enough, I passed a few cars and had one or two laps of clear air, where I was often the fastest. So, I knew we had pace. I just needed to keep moving up and taking positions. I felt good in the car. Generally, I’m comfortable in the rain, and when the car responds, confidence doubles, and you can really push the pace.”
Max Verstappen was literally flying on track: he even set five fastest laps in a row in the race’s second half!
“When I passed Esteban at Turn 1, I knew victory was within reach. Before that, I knew the speed was there, but I was trying to progress cautiously. After the red flag, the pace really kicked in. Then, when the Safety Car came out, I started catching up to him. The tires were very cold, but at the restart, I took the lead. From then on, I tried to manage the tires, as the wear here is high. The car felt balanced, but I had to stay focused—the surface was still slippery.”
Verstappen commends Ocon’s sportsmanship
Max Verstappen’s pass on Esteban Ocon at the restart after the Safety Car was impressive: the Dutchman was so confident that he braked much later than the Alpine F1 driver. He describes his approach and takes a moment to thank Ocon for his sportsmanship.
“When you feel good with the car, you’re more confident with braking. I had already passed other drivers there, so I thought I’d take my chance on the inside. The banking in the corner helps a bit. Esteban didn’t make it too hard for me and settled behind. Otherwise, it would have been 25 laps of trying over and over again. I took the shot, and I think Esteban played it well in handling the rest of the corner as he did.”
Eight years ago, on this same Interlagos track, Max Verstappen also delivered an exceptional race in wet conditions. The Dutchman loves Brazil, and he loves the rain.
“Yes, both races are definitely in my top 10. But this one is far more crucial than before because, in 2016, I had nothing to lose; I wasn’t in a championship battle. Now, there’s a lot more at stake, so you have to be more measured. That’s why this victory is the best for me.”
The karting experience came into play on the São Paulo track, confirms the Red Bull driver.
“When it comes to rain, as I was telling Esteban, it’s something you learn very young. In karting, drivers strong in the rain stay strong in F1. We train a lot when we’re young, and it becomes a skill you carry forward as you progress.”
A bit lucky with the red flag?
One thing is certain: the timing of the red flag worked in Max Verstappen’s favor (unlike what happened in qualifying). For the Red Bull driver, race control had no choice; even before Colapinto’s crash, visibility was already too poor when the flag was shown.
“At some point, a red flag was absolutely necessary—it was unmanageable, even with extreme tires, due to the track’s banking that was filling up so fast… it was almost like steering a boat!”
Max Verstappen heads toward the title
Now with a 62-point lead over Lando Norris, Max Verstappen could clinch the title as early as the next Grand Prix in Las Vegas. At Interlagos, he also ended a 10-race winless streak. Breaking that streak was crucial, both for the championship and for confidence.
“Yes, it was very important. I would have liked to win sooner, of course. It’s been tough for us; we kept pushing without understanding why others were so fast in races. I tried many things to improve the car.”
“Starting 17th, winning didn’t seem possible. It’s an incredible result for the team, a real morale boost after challenging times. It shows the strength of the team, staying calm and continually working on performance. I’m confident for the last three races; we can fight and be more competitive.”
This race will likely be seen as a turning point in the championship—perhaps the last, as the drivers’ standings now seem firmly in Verstappen’s favor.
“Yes, from that perspective, it was crucial since I expected to lose points this Sunday. Now, I just want clean races until the end. I’m not thinking about clinching the title in Las Vegas or anything.”
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Unstoppable Verstappen: From 17th to Victory in Brazil Unstoppable Verstappen: From 17th to Victory in Brazil Unstoppable Verstappen: From 17th to Victory in Brazil
