Last Updated on November 4 2024, 2:37 pm

Max Verstappen’s ‘drive of a champion’ breaks Schumacher’s record, seals another step towards F1 glory – In an electrifying performance at the rain-soaked Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen displayed what many are calling the ‘drive of a champion’. By taking victory from an improbable 17th place on the grid, Verstappen not only took a giant step towards his fourth consecutive Formula One World Championship title, but also broke a long-standing record held by racing legend Michael Schumacher.

As the Dutchman claimed his latest victory, the international press lauded his skill and hailed his historic achievement and unparalleled dominance in Formula One.

 

 

 

Breaking a two-decade-old record

Verstappen’s victory in Brazil wasn’t just about winning the race – it was about surpassing one of the sport’s greatest milestones.

By reaching his 897th day as world championship leader, Verstappen eclipsed Schumacher’s record of 896 days, which stood since the early 2000s. Schumacher’s reign, which spanned from 2000 to 2003, was thought to be almost insurmountable until Verstappen arrived.

His consistency and dominance cemented his place as one of F1’s greatest, a title he continues to earn with each race.

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A remarkable comeback on a chaotic track

In a race filled with torrential rain and high drama, Verstappen’s victory was nothing short of miraculous. Starting 17th on the grid due to qualifying problems, he quickly made up ground, weaving through the chaos and overcoming the challenges of the hilly, waterlogged Interlagos circuit.

Known for its treacherous corners and newly laid, bumpy asphalt, the track conditions would have deterred even the best drivers, but Verstappen took them in stride, leaving his rivals – and the media – in awe.

With this victory, Verstappen becomes the first driver since Kimi Räikkönen in 2005 to win a race from 17th on the grid, a feat that highlights not only his skill but also the technical prowess of his Red Bull Racing team. The victory extended Verstappen’s lead over McLaren’s Lando Norris to 62 points and sets the stage for a possible title clinch at the upcoming Las Vegas Grand Prix.

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Red Bull team reaction: Praise and awe

Verstappen’s exceptional performance earned him the praise of his father, Jos Verstappen, himself a former Formula One driver and former team-mate of Schumacher.

“He was unbelievable today,” said Jos, capturing the pride and awe felt by many who watched the race. Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner echoed the sentiment, describing Verstappen’s drive as “priceless” and praising his ability to stand out among an elite group of drivers.

“There are some great drivers out there,” Horner remarked, “but to stand out and shine like he did today – I think that sets him apart from some of the greats.”

Indeed, Verstappen’s journey from promising young driver to dominant force in the sport has been marked by his ability to excel under pressure, a quality that has drawn comparisons to legends such as Ayrton Senna and, of course, Schumacher himself.

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Press reaction: Global applause for a stellar comeback

Verstappen’s remarkable drive and record-breaking victory has not gone unnoticed by the world’s media, with the Dutchman being lavished with praise by the press from across the globe. Here’s a look at how the international press reacted to Verstappen’s performance in Brazil:

 

 

Netherlands

Dutch newspaper *AD* summed up Verstappen’s performance: “Max Verstappen wins after a masterful overtaking manoeuvre and takes the title in the Brazilian madness”. The piece highlighted Verstappen’s skilful navigation of a turbulent rain-soaked race, describing his performance as one that cemented his claim to the 2024 title.

 

 

United Kingdom

The British press was also in awe of Verstappen’s ability. The *Daily Mail* lamented the dashed hopes of British driver Lando Norris, saying: “Lando Norris’ title dream is over. Max Verstappen proves he is the best driver in the world”. Similarly, *The Guardian* wrote, “Max Verstappen pulls off a miracle drive”, highlighting the skill and precision needed to win the São Paulo Grand Prix in such adverse conditions.

 

 

Spain

The Spanish media described Verstappen’s victory as “epic” and “heroic”. Marca described the race as a great comeback by “one of the best in history”, while AS was effusive in its praise: “Give him the trophy now. It was pure talent, pure magic in extreme conditions”. The Spanish press noted the poignancy of Verstappen’s victory, which was seen as a tribute to the late Brazilian racing icon Ayrton Senna, whom Verstappen has often cited as an inspiration.

 

 

 

France

French publication *Le Parisien* focused on the sheer unpredictability of the race, noting the “wild comeback in the rain” and celebrating Verstappen’s resilience. With a French double podium, the race was also a point of pride for French fans, who witnessed Verstappen’s determination and skill alongside their country’s rising stars.

 

 

Austria

The Austrian media were equally impressed, with the *Kleine Zeitung* declaring the race a “preliminary decision in the title fight” and describing Verstappen’s wet weather expertise as “indicative of a world champion”. *Salzburger Nachrichten praised Verstappen’s ability to overcome both the elements and his rivals, confirming his place as a top driver in the premier league of motorsport.

 

 

Switzerland

Switzerland’s *Tagesanzeiger* described the race as a defining moment for Norris, who faced numerous challenges throughout the race. “Norris is the big loser in Brazil,” the paper wrote, pointing to Verstappen’s stunning comeback as a stark contrast to the McLaren driver’s difficulties.

 

 

Italy

Italian newspapers were not short of praise for Verstappen, with *Tuttosport* describing his victory as a “world championship masterpiece”. *La Gazzetta dello Sport echoed the sentiment, calling it a “crazy race in Brazil” and praising Verstappen’s drive as one “for the annals”.

 

 

Brazil

Brazil’s own media expressed pride in the São Paulo Grand Prix and respect for Verstappen’s resilience. *Lance* praised the “memorable performance” and noted that the three-time champion now has “one hand and four fingers on a fourth Formula One World Championship”. Given the historical and emotional significance of racing in Senna’s homeland, Verstappen’s victory resonated deeply with Brazilian fans.

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The road to a fourth championship

With his lead over Norris now firmly established, Verstappen will be looking to secure his fourth world title at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on 24 November. If he succeeds, he will join a rarefied group of four-time Formula One champions, a feat that would herald a new era of dominance for both Verstappen and Red Bull Racing.

While the Dutchman’s driving ability is undoubtedly a major factor, it is the combination of Red Bull’s engineering prowess, race strategy and Verstappen’s unique talent that has enabled him to dominate the sport in recent years. With each race, Verstappen continues to raise the bar, challenging records that once seemed unbreakable and building a legacy that may one day be compared to the greatest champions in F1 history.

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Verstappen’s legacy in the making

Max Verstappen’s drive in the Brazilian Grand Prix will go down as one of the defining moments of his career. Not only did he break a record held by one of the sport’s legends, but he also delivered a performance that was both exhilarating and inspiring.

As he closes in on a seemingly inevitable fourth title, the Formula One world is watching in awe as Verstappen redefines what it means to be a champion in modern motorsport.

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MORE F1 NEWS  –  Jos Verstappen furious as Ocon issues revenge on Max

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