Max Verstappen pulled off a remarkable feat, starting from 17th position and securing victory at the 2024 São Paulo GP. This was his first win in five months, and he achieved it by conquering the chaotic race at Interlagos. Verstappen’s performance wasn’t the only surprise—Alpine drivers also made a stunning appearance on the podium.
Quick Repairs Except for Albon
Despite several car issues during qualifying, most drivers managed to repair their cars in time, except for Albon. Sainz had to start from the pit lane after changing engine components. Although rain had paused over Interlagos, the track remained wet, and all drivers opted for Intermediate tires.
Tumultuous Race Start
The race start was delayed when Stroll lost control in the opening lap. Russell quickly took the lead, while Norris had a slow start. Lawson dropped to 6th behind Leclerc, and Verstappen, starting from 17th, rapidly climbed into the top 10 after overtaking Hamilton at Turn 1.
Rain Influences Race, Verstappen Continues to Climb
The first rain shower increased the race’s difficulty. Verstappen continued his climb, overtaking drivers like Gasly, Alonso, and Piastri to reach 8th place. Meanwhile, Sainz and Bearman faced difficulties and fell behind.
Verstappen’s Remarkable Surge
By Lap 14, Verstappen had reached 6th place, overtaking a series of rivals, including Tsunoda, Ocon, and Leclerc. Meanwhile, Hamilton struggled and dropped back, overtaken by Sainz and Bearman.
Race Halted Due to Heavy Rain
Heavier rain on Lap 32 forced a temporary race halt when Colapinto lost control at the final turn. With assistance from marshals, Hülkenberg managed to return to the pit but had to retire from the race. Afterward, drivers switched to Intermediate tires to continue racing.
Verstappen Claims the Lead
On Lap 43, Verstappen seized the lead from Ocon. Leclerc also overtook Russell to secure 4th place, while Norris made a mistake, dropping to 7th. McLaren quickly adjusted their driver order to maximize their standings.
Perfect Finish for Verstappen and Alpine
The race concluded with a spectacular victory for Verstappen, and Ocon and Gasly joined him on the podium—a massive boost for Alpine. Russell finished in 4th place, followed by Leclerc and Norris. The remaining top 10 positions went to Tsunoda, Lawson, and Hamilton.
With this win, Verstappen extended his lead, putting him closer to clinching the championship as he now holds a 62-point lead over Norris. F1 will now take a two-week break before the final triple-header of the season in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi.
Upcoming Formula 1 Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix
The F1 season continues with the highly anticipated Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024, taking place from November 22-24. Get ready for more thrilling moments in this exciting season!
