Max Verstappen certainly scored one of his most brilliant career victories at Interlagos yesterday. A victory certainly favored by the timing of the red flag, but which the Red Bull driver won masterfully, crushing the competition and in particular his (ex-?) rival for the title, Lando Norris.
With Zandvoort 2023, Hockenheim 2019, or Interlagos 2016, Interlagos 2024 will be remembered for the Dutchman. Is this his best career victory? In any case, starting 17th and arriving 1st with a 20 second lead is unheard of for him.
“Yes, honestly, I don’t even know where to start! » smiled Max Verstappen last night.
“My emotions went from being really frustrated after qualifying to winning the race. Starting 17th… I knew we could have a good race, but in qualifying, it was clear that there was only one possible trajectory. So, I knew that overtaking would be complicated. »
This is why overtaking at the green lights was crucial in the race. And indeed, everything started very well for Max Verstappen, author, as often, of a great start…
“But in the race, we started well, a good first lap. From there, we were able to pass a few drivers. Afterwards, I got stuck behind Yuki’s train for a while. We stayed calm, the race was long. »
“We made the right choices. When some people changed tires, the rain was coming and we stayed on the track, which was very risky. I saw Esteban in front of me going four seconds faster per lap and I was just trying to keep the car on the track. »
“I was very motivated to have a good race and let the course decide. In rainy conditions, crazy things can still happen. Pretty soon I was passing a few cars and had one or two free air laps, where I was often the fastest. So, I knew we had speed. I just had to go back up and take positions. I felt good in the car. In general, I’m comfortable in the rain, and when the car follows, it doubles the confidence and you can really push the pace. »
Max Verstappen was literally flying on the track: he even achieved five fastest laps in a row in the second part of the event!
“When I passed Esteban at turn 1, I knew victory was possible. Before that, I knew the speed was there, but I was trying to progress carefully. After the red flag, the pace was really there. Then, when the Safety Car came out, I started to catch up with him. The tires were very cold, but on the restart I took the lead. Then I tried to manage the tires, because the wear is high here. The car had good balance, but you had to stay focused, the surface remained slippery. »
Verstappen praises Ocon’s fair play
Max Verstappen’s overtake on Esteban Ocon, on the safety car restart, was very impressive: the Dutchman had such confidence that he braked much later than the Alpine F1 driver. He explains his feelings and takes the opportunity to thank Ocon for his fair play.
“When you feel good with the car, you have more confidence when braking. I had already passed other drivers there, so I figured I’d try my luck on the inside. The slope of the turn helps a little. Esteban didn’t make it too difficult for me and got behind me. Otherwise it would have been 25 rounds of trying over and over again. I gave it a go, and I think it was good for Esteban to handle the rest of the corner the way he did. »
Eight years ago, on this same Interlagos track, Max Verstappen also had an exceptional race in wet conditions. The Dutchman loves Brazil and he loves the rain.
“Yes, these two races are clearly in my top 10. But this one is much more crucial than before, because in 2016 I had nothing to lose, I was not fighting for the championship. There is a lot more at stake here, so you have to be more measured. That’s why this victory is the best for me. »
And the experience of karting spoke on the Paulista track, confirms the Red Bull driver.
“As for rain, as I told Esteban, it’s something you learn very young. In karting, drivers who are strong in the rain are also strong in F1. We train a lot when we are young, and it becomes a skill that we keep as we evolve. »
A little lucky with the red flag?
One thing is certain: the timing of the red flag favored Max Verstappen (unlike what happened in qualifying). For the Red Bull driver, the race management had no choice: even before the Colapinto accident, visibility was too poor when the flag was waved.
“At one point, we absolutely needed the red flag: it was unmanageable, even with the extreme tires, because of the slope of the track which filled up very quickly… it was almost like steering a boat! »
Max Verstappen heading towards the title
Now 62 points ahead of Lando Norris, Max Verstappen could be titled at the next Grand Prix in Las Vegas. At Interlagos, he also ended a streak of 10 races without victories. Breaking this series was extremely important, for the championship but also for confidence.
“Yes, it was very important. I would have liked to win earlier, of course. It was difficult for us; we always pushed without understanding why the others were so fast in the race. I tried a lot of things to improve the car. »
“Starting 17th, winning didn’t seem possible. It’s an incredible result for the team, a real boost after tough times. It shows the strength of the team, which remains calm and continues to work on performance. I am confident for the last three races, we will be able to fight and be more competitive. »
This race will certainly remain as a turning point in the championship. Perhaps the last because in the drivers’ standings, things seem to be over for Max Verstappen.
“Yes, seen from that angle, it was crucial because I expected to lose points this Sunday. Now I just want clean races until the end. I’m not thinking about winning the title in Las Vegas or anything. »
