Max Verstappen closed in on the F1 drivers’ title by winning the São Paulo Grand Prix from 17th place on the grid
What had begun with such enormous optimism for Lando Norris to bring about a pivotal shift in the championship battle was shattered with a masterclass victory from his title rivalIn a remarkable drive Verstappen came back from 17th on the grid to take victory while Norris fell from pole to sixth place after a dramatic and gripping contest at Interlagos.
Three meetings remain, including one sprint race, but with victory Verstappen has now extended his lead over Norris from 44 points to 62, with 86 still available. The task facing the British driver was already challenging and now appears to be a bridge to far. If Verstappen is 60 points ahead after the next round in Las Vegas his fourth title will be sealed.
Verstappen had been unlucky in qualifying which had taken place on Sunday morning after it had been postponed on Saturday because of a heavy storm. He was caught out with the timing of a red flag, leaving him in 12th place but starting from 17th with a five-place grid penalty due to taking a new engine, while Norris claimed pole. Damage limitation had looked to be his best hope.
Verstappen was in a different class in clean air, opening a huge gap and by the time he took the flag for an immense, breathtaking victory his lead was 20sec over Ocon, who was second and Pierre Gasly in third and 30 on Norris, the title now surely all but done.
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