Max Verstappen has clinched a remarkable victory in a chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix, starting from 17th place on the grid.
The Red Bull driver showcased his exceptional skill in treacherous wet conditions at Interlagos.
The race was marred by multiple safety cars and red flags, creating a challenging environment for all competitors.
Verstappen's triumph marks his first win since the Spanish Grand Prix in June, extending his championship lead over Lando Norris.
The McLaren driver, who started from pole position, struggled throughout the race and finished a disappointing sixth.
In a surprising turn of events, Alpine secured a double podium finish with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly joining Verstappen on the rostrum.
Max Verstappen beat the odds to win the Brazilian Grand Prix
Reuters
Verstappen's charge through the field was nothing short of spectacular. The Dutchman made up seven places on the first racing lap alone, showcasing his exceptional skill in wet conditions.
He continued his relentless pursuit, overtaking Oscar Piastri on lap 10 and setting his sights on Charles Leclerc.
As conditions worsened, Verstappen's pace remained unmatched. He navigated through multiple safety car periods and a red flag situation with precision.
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In contrast, Lando Norris faced a series of setbacks. Despite starting from pole, the McLaren driver struggled with tyre strategy and made several errors throughout the race.
Norris ran off at turn four during one restart, losing positions and ultimately finishing sixth. His championship hopes took a significant blow as Verstappen extended his lead.
Alpine's unexpected podium finish was a highlight of the race. Esteban Ocon found himself leading the Grand Prix after a red flag period, caused by Franco Colapinto's crash.
The Frenchman managed to pull away from Verstappen upon the restart, briefly raising hopes of an unlikely victory.
However, a safety car triggered by Carlos Sainz's Ferrari crash allowed Verstappen to close the gap.
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Despite losing the lead, Ocon held on for a remarkable second place, with teammate Pierre Gasly securing third.
This double podium finish catapulted Alpine from ninth to sixth in the constructor's championship, marking a significant turnaround for the French team.
The result was particularly impressive given the challenging conditions and the fierce competition throughout the field.
The race was filled with dramatic moments, including multiple red flags and safety car periods. One notable incident saw Lance Stroll collide with the wall, causing the start to be aborted.
Max Verstappen might have just done enough to keep Lando Norris off his tail in the title race
Reuters
A Virtual Safety Car was deployed when Nico Hulkenberg found himself stranded at turn one. The German was later disqualified for receiving outside assistance.
Franco Colapinto's crash under the safety car led to a red flag, reshuffling the field.
Carlos Sainz's accident triggered another safety car, setting up Verstappen's final push for victory.
Throughout these chaotic events, Verstappen maintained his composure and capitalised on every opportunity.
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Max Verstappen had started 17th in Brazil
Reuters
His masterful performance in challenging conditions allowed him to extend his championship lead over Norris to 62 points.
With just three races remaining, Verstappen could potentially secure his fourth consecutive Formula 1 title at the next race in Las Vegas.
