A new off-track by a Williams driver propels Max Verstappen towards the title: Franco Colapinto, the unexpected echo of Nicholas Latifi in Brazil.
The 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix offered a scene worthy of the most improbable scenarios: Williams driver Franco Colapinto caused a red flag following a crash, giving Max Verstappen a decisive boost in his fight for a fourth world title .
Starting 17th on the starting grid, Verstappen was not the favorite at Interlagos, but his spectacular comeback took an unexpected turn thanks to this incident.
As he climbed the ladder in the Brazilian rain, Verstappen was able to take advantage of this interruption. Colapinto, losing control of his Williams on a wet track, crashed into the safety barriers, triggering the red flag.
For the Red Bull driver, this timing proved perfect, allowing him to change tires without a time penalty while the race was suspended. This reminder of events appears to resurrect Williams' decisive influence in critical moments of Verstappen's career.
Williams and Verstappen: a linked destiny since 2021
F1 fans have not forgotten the memorable scene in 2021, when Nicholas Latifi, also a Williams driver, triggered a safety car late in the race in Abu Dhabi, giving Verstappen the opportunity to overtake Hamilton and win his first world title. That year, the Verstappen-Hamilton duel ended in a resounding controversy, marked by Latifi's unexpected accident which changed the fate of the championship.
In Brazil, Colapinto's accident recalls this disturbing coincidence: once again, a Williams intervenes involuntarily in Verstappen's quest for the title. Colapinto, like Latifi, was certainly not looking to influence the race for the championship, but his exit from the track inevitably changed the dynamics of the race. As if history was repeating itself, Williams found herself, despite herself, offering an unexpected opportunity to the Dutch champion.
Verstappen's victory, between talent and favorable circumstances
Verstappen took advantage of this interruption to gain a decisive strategic advantage, which propelled him to victory at Interlagos. Of course, this meteoric comeback rests on his talent and determination, but the interruption orchestrated by the red flag added a touch of chance which reminds us that even the best drivers can benefit from strokes of luck.
F1 fans will be sure to notice this amusing coincidence: at every crucial stage of Verstappen's career, a Williams seems to be there to influence the outcome. Whether in 2021 with Latifi or in 2024 with Colapinto, these key moments fuel a theory according to which Williams plays, intentionally or not, the role of good luck charm for Verstappen.
World title in sight for Verstappen
With this Brazilian victory, Max Verstappen consolidates his lead in the championship, now having 62 points more than his main rival, Lando Norris. While Las Vegas looms as the next stop, he will only need to finish ahead of the Briton to win a fourth coronation.
If this fourth title is well within his sights, some continue to smile at the coincidences which mark his journey. Between talent and seized opportunities, Verstappen knew how to take advantage of every opportunity, and it seems that the Williams team has, once again, played an indirect but significant role in his rise.
