In a remarkable turn of events at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Max Verstappen stormed to victory from 17th on the grid, reigniting his hopes of securing a first Formula 1 world championship. But title rival Lando Norris believes the Dutchman had fortune on his side in the treacherous wet conditions at Interlagos.
A Stunning Comeback Drive
Verstappen showcased his immense talent and the sheer pace of the Red Bull car with a sensational charge through the field. The 25-year-old scythed his way past car after car, making light work of the spray and standing water that caught out many of his rivals.
A key moment came on lap 28 when Verstappen, running in fifth place, opted to stay out on track on worn tires as the rain intensified. Moments later, Kevin Magnussen’s crash triggered a red flag that suspended the race. This allowed Verstappen to change tires and line up second for the restart, having vaulted past Norris and the other frontrunners who had pitted before the stoppage.
It shouldn’t have been red flagged, that was the crash in the end which caused the red so that’s life sometimes. You take a gamble and it’s paid off for them. It’s not talent, it’s just luck.
– Lando Norris
Norris: “He Got a Bit Lucky”
For Norris, who saw his own victory hopes fade after pitting just before the red flag, Verstappen’s win owed much to good fortune. “He drove well, he got a bit lucky,” the McLaren driver told reporters. “We weren’t quick enough. Max was easily quicker than us. Today it benefitted them, it could have benefitted us if we just stayed out, but that’s a stupid thing to think of. Just a bit unlucky today, nothing more.”
Controversial Red Flag Tire Change Rule
Norris also took aim at the regulation that allows drivers to change tires under red flag conditions, effectively giving them a ‘free’ pit stop. “They got lucky on a rule [the freedom to change tires under a red flag] that no one agrees with. Probably them they agreed with it but every driver has disagreed with it in the past.”
This contentious rule has faced criticism from drivers who feel it unfairly benefits those who haven’t pitted before a red flag. Despite the calls for change, the regulation remains in place and played into Verstappen’s hands in Brazil.
Verstappen Extends Championship Lead
With his eighth victory of the season, Verstappen extended his championship lead over Norris to 62 points. A ninth win in the Las Vegas season finale would be enough for the Dutchman to clinch the title, even if Norris scores maximum points.
It marks a significant shift in momentum after Norris had closed the gap with strong performances in the previous rounds. The McLaren driver now faces an uphill battle to keep his championship hopes alive going into the final race of this enthralling season.
A Psychological Blow for Norris
Beyond the points impact, Verstappen’s against-the-odds triumph in Norris’ home race will be a tough psychological blow for the young Briton. To see his rival storm to victory in adverse conditions from the back of the grid will undoubtedly dent his confidence.
I don’t care about the hindsight side of things, that’s luck for them [Red Bull], nothing more. Of course, disappointing.
– Lando Norris
As the F1 circus heads to Las Vegas for the championship decider, Verstappen now has one hand on the trophy. Barring misfortune, he looks poised to realize a lifelong dream and become the Netherlands’ first world champion. For Norris, it will take a minor miracle to turn the tables and pull off a historic upset. But in the unpredictable world of F1, he will cling to the belief that anything is still possible.
