Max Verstappen Triumphs from 17th in Sao Paulo

Max Verstappen delivered one of his finest performances to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, charging up from 17th on the grid to claim his 62nd career victory in treacherous, rain-soaked conditions. This triumph brings him within reach of his fourth world title as he now leads Lando Norris by 62 points with 86 still available across the final three races. The chaotic incident-filled race featured a red flag, two safety cars and numerous crashes.

Verstappen’s charge from the back highlighted Red Bull’s smart strategy as the team chose to stay out in intensifying rain, anticipating a red flag. Their gamble paid off when race officials halted the race following a crash by Franco Colapinto. At the restart, Verstappen surged past early leader Esteban Ocon and quickly pulled away securing victory with a 19.5-second lead.

Alpine drivers Ocon and Pierre Gasly took advantage of the same strategic gamble, finishing second and third to lift Alpine from ninth to sixth in the Constructors’ standings. Meanwhile, McLaren’s Norris, who started from pole, watched his slim title hopes fade as he finished sixth after a series of missteps and received a fine for procedural errors during a formation lap.

Mercedes’ George Russell placed fifth but voiced frustration with his team’s decisions, believing they cost him track position. Lewis Hamilton finishing 10th managed to salvage a single point after a challenging weekend for Mercedes, who received a fine for adjusting tire pressures during the red-flag period.

With the next race in Las Vegas on November 23, Max Verstappen can clinch the title if he extends his lead to 60 points or more, solidifying his status as the season’s dominant driver.