Lando Norris is now trailing Max Verstappen by 62 points in the championship standings after a dramatic Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Verstappen delivered a phenomenal performance, winning from 17th on the grid, marking it as “definitely the best” of his 62 victories.
“I really believe we’ve witnessed one of the great drives in F1 today,” said his team principal Christian Horner.
Verstappen’s triumph was especially significant, ending an 11-race victory drought that began after the Spanish Grand Prix in June. Norris had been gaining momentum recently, including a sprint race victory in Sao Paulo, but Verstappen’s early-season dominance—seven wins in the first ten races—made his championship lead seem insurmountable.
Following the Sao Paulo race, Verstappen’s win and Norris' sixth-place finish have extended the Dutchman’s lead to 62 points, with only 86 points left available over three remaining races. If Verstappen leaves Las Vegas with a 60-point advantage, he will clinch the title, but Norris remains hopeful for a comeback.
Verstappen described his race day as a “rollercoaster,” grappling with emotions from frustration during qualifying due to rain delays to elation at winning the race. After being pushed back to 17th place due to penalties and initial setbacks, he quickly climbed up through the ranks during the race.
“I felt comfortable in the car… when the car is performing, it just doubles up and you can really pick up the pace,” Verstappen stated about his strategy during wet conditions.
As rain intensified midway through the race, strategic decisions became critical. Both Norris and George Russell pitted for fresh tires under a virtual safety car. However, this move allowed Verstappen and Esteban Ocon to take advantage of track conditions and gain crucial positions.
“I just want clean races to the end. I’m not thinking about clinching the championship in Vegas or whatever,” Verstappen emphasized after securing his victory.
Norris acknowledged that luck played a role in his performance, stating he would have likely finished third without external factors affecting pit strategies. McLaren team principal Andrea Stella reiterated that their priority remains on securing points for the constructors’ championship while maintaining high standards throughout their season.
Despite setbacks, both drivers are committed to pushing forward as they look toward future races. Alpine’s remarkable two-three finish also highlighted significant advancements for their team amidst a challenging season. The camaraderie between drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly added an emotional layer to their success that day.
Overall, both teams are focused on finishing strong as they head into the final races of the season.
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