By Michael Madyira
Max Verstappen pulled off an impressive comeback to win Sunday’s chaotic São Paulo Grand Prix, fighting through rain and crashes after starting 17th on the grid.
The Red Bull driver claimed his first win since June’s Spanish GP at the Autódromo José Carlos Pace in a race that saw a red flag on lap 32 and two safety cars.
Alpine teammates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly joined him on the podium.
Pole-sitter Lando Norris of McLaren made mistakes and finished sixth, leaving him 62 points behind Verstappen with three races left.
George Russell of Mercedes came fourth, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc took fifth.
Verstappen, who started at the back due to an engine change penalty, gained six places in the first lap alone and reached sixth place by lap 12.
“My emotions today have been a rollercoaster,” said Verstappen.
“You know, with qualifying, being really unlucky with that red flag and starting P17, I knew that 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, of course, made that result possible. I mean, unbelievable to win here from so far back.”
Verstappen could win the title at the Las Vegas race later this month.
Pictured above: Max Verstappen celebrates winning the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Source: Formula 1
