Max Verstappen, a three-time champion, dominated the Brazilian Grand Prix, leading from the start and securing victory on Sunday. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez finished in fourth place, creating distance between himself and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in the ongoing competition for the runner-up position.
Perez came tantalizingly close to snatching the podium position from third-place finisher Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, but the Spaniard managed to cross the checkered flag just 0.053 seconds ahead of the determined Mexican.
The battle for position unfolded over the final three laps, with Perez overtaking Alonso at one point and then relinquishing the position. McLaren’s Lando Norris secured second place at Interlagos.
Alonso, reflecting on the intense race, stated, “For me, it was like 30 laps,” describing the persistent pursuit by Perez.
With two races remaining – Las Vegas on Nov. 19 and Abu Dhabi a week later – Perez leaves South America with a 32-point advantage over Hamilton. Perez started the Interlagos race from the ninth position, while fan-favorite Hamilton began from fifth after a challenging qualifying session on Friday. Despite a frustrating start, Perez displayed improvement during the sprint race on Saturday, expressing increased confidence for the grand prix.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, slated to start second, crashed during the formation lap due to an engine issue.
A red flag, prompted by a crash involving Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Williams’ Alex Albon after the second lap, provided Red Bull drivers with additional time for adjustments.
Verstappen secured his 17th win, maintaining the lead throughout, while Perez showcased an aggressive drive against Hamilton. In the 18th lap, the Red Bull driver overtook the Mercedes for fifth place, disappointing Brazilian fans who support the seven-time champion.
Organizers announced on Friday that Formula One will continue racing in Sao Paulo until at least 2030.
Reflecting on the race, Verstappen noted, “The whole race was about the management of the tires. Las Vegas will be new for everyone, full of surprises, I am sure.”
