Max Verstappen takes giant step towards defending F1 title – In a spectacular performance, Max Verstappen claimed his biggest win of the Formula One season in Brazil, coming from behind to secure victory after a four-month drought. Starting from 17th on the grid, the Red Bull superstar staged an unforgettable comeback at the iconic Interlagos circuit in São Paulo, crossing the line first after 69 thrilling laps.
The victory, Verstappen’s first since the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, was his eighth of the season and sent a clear message to his critics. As he celebrated his hard-fought triumph, his father and former Formula One driver Jos Verstappen expressed his pride and joy at his son’s achievement, seeing it as a powerful statement of strength.
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Jos Verstappen on his son’s performance: “He showed who the best is”
Jos Verstappen, who competed in over 100 Formula One races and was once team-mate to the legendary Michael Schumacher, was ecstatic with his son’s comeback victory. Speaking to reporters after the race, Verstappen Sr said his son’s performance was a testament to his skill, resilience and competitive spirit.
“He showed today who the best is,” Jos told Sky Sports.
“He was very motivated after the criticism from journalists and drivers, especially from England. But today he showed who the best is. They think they can take him out of his rhythm, but it only makes him stronger,” he added, defending Max against the recent harsh media coverage, particularly in the English tabloids.
Verstappen’s victory in Brazil, according to Jos, is a sign of the Dutchman’s commitment and perseverance. An unwavering believer in his son’s talent, Jos continued: “I’m very proud of what he showed today. The whole world saw who the best is.”
Red Bull’s Helmut Marko praises Verstappen’s ‘world of his own’ performance
Verstappen’s remarkable comeback in São Paulo has not gone unnoticed by Red Bull’s top brass. Helmut Marko, Red Bull’s Motorsport Director, joined in the praise, noting the 27-year-old’s exceptional form on track. According to Marko, Verstappen’s race was so far above the competition that he seemed to be in “a world of his own”.
“When he had a clear run, he flew,” Marko told reporters, praising Verstappen’s strategic overtaking and excellent timing on the track.
“I predicted he could make it to the podium, but a performance like that blows everything wide open. It’s the right answer to everything that’s happened recently,” he added, referring to the criticism and pressure that has surrounded Verstappen in recent weeks.
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A decisive victory: Verstappen tightens grip on championship lead
Verstappen’s victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 62 points over his nearest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris. This gap is a crucial step towards a fourth world title and gives Verstappen the breathing space he needs as the season draws to a close.
Thanks to this triumph in Brazil, Verstappen’s title defence has gone from hopeful to almost certain. The points boost from his victory means he could potentially clinch a fourth Formula One World Championship at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix in just three weeks’ time.
Should Verstappen succeed in Las Vegas, he will equal Sebastian Vettel’s record and become one of the sport’s most celebrated champions.
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Brazilian Grand Prix highlights Verstappen’s season
For Verstappen, victory in São Paulo was more than just another race; it was a career-defining moment. Having started from a challenging 17th position, he showed strategic flair and sheer driving talent, overtaking his rivals one by one until he finally took the chequered flag. The race was a masterclass in overtaking, with Verstappen’s manoeuvres impressing fans and critics alike.
The Brazilian Grand Prix has long been an emotionally charged venue for Formula One drivers, and Verstappen’s performance added to the legacy of racing greats who have triumphed here.
The victory will be remembered as a highlight of Verstappen’s already illustrious career and a turning point in a season marked by both remarkable victories and significant challenges.
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A response to his critics: Verstappen’s race answered doubts with speed
Verstappen’s latest victory also serves as a powerful rebuttal to his critics. Prior to the race, the Dutchman faced a wave of criticism from certain sections of the media and his fellow drivers. Some questioned his form, while others suggested he had lost his edge. However, Verstappen’s triumph in Brazil sends a strong message that he is still a force to be reckoned with.
Jos Verstappen’s comments underscored this sentiment, highlighting the role of the media in trying to keep the younger Verstappen off balance. But the victory shows that far from being rattled by the scrutiny, Verstappen used it as motivation to produce one of the most inspiring performances of the season.
For Verstappen fans, this race proved that he remains a resilient and determined champion, capable of overcoming both technical and psychological challenges. His handling of the pressure, combined with his exceptional skill, has only served to cement his place among F1’s elite.
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The road to Las Vegas: Verstappen’s title within reach
With the end of the season in sight, Verstappen’s path to the championship is clearer than ever. The Las Vegas Grand Prix will be crucial, with Verstappen just one race away from clinching the title. The high-stakes event, held on the city’s iconic streets, offers Verstappen the chance to crown his season with a historic fourth world championship and join the ranks of the sport’s most successful drivers.
Victory in Las Vegas would see Verstappen join Sebastian Vettel in the annals of F1 history, a prospect that would have seemed unlikely just a few years ago. However, as his performance in Brazil showed, Verstappen has consistently defied the odds to prove his mettle and maturity as a world-class driver.
The Las Vegas race promises to be a spectacle, with fans eagerly anticipating a showdown as Verstappen inches closer to a record-breaking title defence. Should he succeed, it will be a moment of triumph for the Red Bull team and a personal victory for Verstappen, whose dedication and tenacity have defined his rise to the top of the sport.
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Looking ahead: Verstappen’s place among F1 legends
As Max Verstappen prepares for the next chapter of his Formula One journey, his place in the sport’s history is already assured. His victory in Brazil, against all odds, is a reminder of the skill and drive that have made him a superstar on the world stage. With just a few races left in the season, Verstappen’s focus remains on defending his title and silencing any remaining doubters.
The 2024 Formula One season may well be remembered as the year Verstappen cemented his status among the greats, with his journey from São Paulo to Las Vegas symbolising the grit, resilience and determination that defines a true champion. For his fans, his family and his team, Verstappen’s latest victory isn’t just another race; it’s a testament to the heart and spirit of a champion on the verge of making history once again.
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Jos Verstappen was seen to slam his fist down in anger following the red flag dominated qualifying saga and with a total of five suspensions across all three sessions this became the most red flagged qualifying since this format was introduced almost two decades ago.
As qualifying two came to a conclusion, Lance Stroll hit the wall in turn three and found his car stranded just beyond the white lines at a high speed section of the track. Race control took over fifty seconds to throw the red flag by which time Max Verstappen had fallen from P10 to P12 as others were allowed to complete almost full laps.
Not for the first time this year, Verstappen Sr was visibly angry with the outcome as he turned in disbelief from the monitor slamming hist fist into a nearby tyre. To make maters worse his son’s closest rival for the F1 drivers’ title, Lando Norris went on to claim pole position ahead of George Russell…READ MORE ON THIS STORY
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
He did a great race yes, but was very lucky for the yellow car to be able too change is tire cause Norris will hav3 won the race. Like with Hamilton last lap Massi advantage Verstappen. Humble not in Verstappen father and son. He did sure show’s that he is a great driver under rain and wet circuit
How is Verstappen the best? He’s only won three championships, and they all have question marks over them.