Max Verstappen scored one of the greatest victories of his career in Formula 1 this Sunday at the Brazilian Grand Prix, winning ahead of the Alpines of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly.
Max Verstappen dominated the São Paulo Grand Prix in a thrilling scenario. Despite extreme conditions and numerous twists and turns, the Red Bull driver was able to win brilliantly. Alpine, for its part, achieved an exceptional performance by securing an unexpected double podium.
A chaotic start: Stroll and Norris create confusion
From the formation lap, the tension was palpable. Lance Stroll lost control of his car at Turn 4, hitting the wall before coming to rest in the gravel. While the marshals were looking after his car, the race management postponed the start, causing some unrest among the drivers.
Lando Norris restarted a formation lap without FIA permission, leading the entire grid into total confusion before the lights even went out. An investigation was opened against him, adding to the ambient chaos. Finally, when the lights went out, the rain returned, once again changing the racing conditions.
Verstappen’s impressive comeback
Max Verstappen, who started at the back of the grid, was quick to stand out. In just five laps he had gained seven positions and was already in eighth place. While George Russell led the race, Verstappen continued his climb, overtaking Oscar Piastri to move up to seventh. A few laps later he also passed Liam Lawson, reaching sixth place.
In the field, Lewis Hamilton faced handling issues, losing control of his car on several occasions. Verstappen, relentless, continued his progress and approached the top 5, placing Charles Leclerc and Esteban Ocon in his crosshairs.
Flood and strategies: Ocon at the head of the race
The battle raged for third place between Yuki Tsunoda and Esteban Ocon. As the rain increased in intensity, the leading teams decided to pit. Taking advantage of the situation, Esteban Ocon found himself at the head of the race. Visibility reduced by the deluge and difficult track conditions added drama to this unpredictable race.
The release of the safety car after an accident by Nico Hülkenberg further disrupted the strategies. Ocon, Verstappen and Pierre Gasly, who had not yet changed tires, were able to do so for free during the race interruption, strengthening their position in the lead.
Verstappen takes the lead and widens the gap
When the race resumed, Ocon retained his first place, followed by Verstappen and Gasly. Lando Norris made a mistake, allowing George Russell to pass him. Verstappen, more determined than ever, finally took the lead from Ocon. Gradually, he opened up a gap of more than six seconds.
The race continued under high tension. Further back, Liam Lawson and Sergio Pérez battled for ninth place, with Hamilton eventually clawing his way back into the points. Verstappen, for his part, set a hellish pace, pushing Ocon back and securing his lead.
Verstappen wins the Grand Prix and Alpine shines
In the final laps, Verstappen had a lead of ten seconds over Ocon. The battle for third place was intense between Gasly and Russell, with stewards looking on investigating a possible Mercedes grid infraction.
Max Verstappen thus won the Brazilian Grand Prix, adding the point for the best lap to his victory. With this performance, he moves closer to his fourth consecutive world title, which he could win at the next Grand Prix in Las Vegas.
