Verstappen stuns with incredible drive in soaked Sao Paulo

SAO PAULO: Heavy rain underscored Max Verstappen’s dominant performance at the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday, which he won after starting in 17th place. It was a race that saw its fair share of drama thanks to the tough condition’s courtesy of the weather.

After a disappointing qualifying put Max Verstappen in the 17th spot, the 3-time world champion quickly found himself advancing places. In lap two, he overtook 7-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to take the 10th position, before overtaking Pierre Gasly in the 5th lap.

The Dutchman would continue to his brilliance, overtaking Fernando Alonso before making his way into 7th place as he handily took down Piastri. Verstappen would take sixth in the 11th lap overtaking Liam Lawson.

Race leader George Russel and Lando Norris close behind him would both choose to pit as they could bear the conditions no longer. Verstappen, who had made his way to second place, would stay out waiting for a safety car to neutralize the race and allow him to change tires without losing a place. And in lap 31, a safety car was deployed.

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Just a lap later a red flag would come out as Franco Colapinto collided with the barriers. Not long after the race resumed, another safety car would come out on lap 39 after Carlos Sainz introduced his Ferrari to the barrier.

Verstappen would finally get his opportunity to take the lead in the 43rd lap, capitalising on the straight to get close enough to Pierre Gasly in first, to make his move on the next turn and take the lead.

The Dutchman would maintain the lead to bring home his first win since the Spanish grand prix earlier this year. Alpine would be overjoyed as for the first time in eleven years, they would have both cars on the podium, as Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly took second and third respectively.

Verstappen now has a 62-point lead over his rival Norris in the Drivers’ Championship. McLaren continue to lead the Constructors’ Championship, with a 36-point lead over Ferrari.

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