From 17th place, Verstappen wins chaotic Sao Paulo Grand Prix
Formula One
In an exhilarating display of determination and skill, Max Verstappen triumphed at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, turning what could have been a disastrous day into a stunning victory. Starting from 17th position after a challenging qualifying session, the Dutchman not only secured his first win since June, but also solidified his status as the pre-eminent driver in Formula 1, extending his championship lead to an impressive 52 points.
The race began with immediate drama. Just before the lights went out, Lance Stroll lost control of his car during the formation lap, spinning off the track and causing confusion among the drivers and teams.
This incident foreshadowed more chaos that would ensue.
When the race finally commenced, pole-sitter Lando Norris, alongside other contenders, jumped the start, prompting officials to open an investigation into potential violations involving Norris, George Russell, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson. The atmosphere was thick with tension as fans and teams alike braced for a tumultuous race.
Once the green flag waved, Russell capitalized on his strong launch, surging ahead of Norris. Verstappen, undeterred by his low starting position, showcased his exceptional skill, weaving through the field with remarkable precision. The race unfolded amid changing weather conditions that kept teams on their toes, as the threat of rain loomed over the circuit.
The situation escalated during Lap 32, when a red flag was thrown after a crash involving Franco Colapinto in his Williams. The timing was critical, as Russell and Norris had just pitted at the end of a Virtual Safety Car period, leaving them vulnerable and fighting to regain lost positions.
When the race resumed, Frenchman Esteban Ocon found himself leading, followed closely by Verstappen and Pierre Gasly, who was determined to maintain his momentum.
But the drama wasn’t over. Just when it seemed Ocon might control the race, a crash by Carlos Sainz brought out the safety car again, reshuffling the pack and creating an intense battle for position as the laps dwindled. The tension in the air was palpable as fans watched the front-runners jockey for position during the restart.
At the resumption, Verstappen unleashed his formidable pace. With his trademark aggressive driving, he swiftly overtook Ocon and surged into the lead, demonstrating a level of control and focus that left his competitors in the dust. The defending champion crossed the finish line with a commanding margin of 19.477 seconds, celebrating an extraordinary comeback that few had anticipated.
Ocon finished in a strong second place behind Verstappen, while Gasly successfully held off Russell to clinch third, delivering an unexpected double podium for Alpine. The team’s remarkable performance not only thrilled their fans, but also propelled them from ninth to sixth in the constructors’ standings, marking a significant turnaround in their season.
‘Unbelievable’
Reflecting on the race, Verstappen expressed a mix of relief and elation: "My emotions today have been a rollercoaster, with qualifying being really unlucky with that red flag.
“Starting in 17th place, I knew it was going to be a very tough race, but we stayed out of trouble, we made the right calls, we stayed calm, and we were fine. All of these things together made that result possible.
“I mean, it’s unbelievable to win here from so far back."
As the checkered flag waved, Verstappen soaked in the moment, relishing his hard-fought victory, while Alpine reveled in their unexpected success. The Sao Paulo Grand Prix will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most chaotic and entertaining races of the season, a testament to the unpredictable nature of Formula 1 racing.
Looking ahead, the 2024 season is set to enter its closing stages with a final triple-header of races, kicking off with the Las Vegas Grand Prix on the weekend of 21-23 November. Fans will be eager to follow the action from the iconic Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
As the season races toward its conclusion, all eyes will be on the upcoming events, eager to see if anyone can challenge Verstappen's dominance.