What started with immense optimism for Lando Norris to shift the championship battle significantly was crushed by Max Verstappen's masterful victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix, effectively ending Norris's title aspirations. Verstappen's remarkable comeback from 17th on the grid to victory, while Norris dropped from pole to sixth, showcased a dramatic and gripping race at Interlagos.
Verstappen's drive, aided by some good fortune, was a formidable display in treacherous, wet conditions that saw numerous drivers crashing out and the race halted due to heavy rain. This performance mirrored his previous outstanding drive in wet conditions at Interlagos, where he moved from 16th to third.
Despite errors around him, including a critical one by Norris during a restart, the world champion demonstrated iron control, first slicing through the field and then seizing the lead, securing his first win since the Spanish GP in June. The title fight's momentum shift was anticipated, but few, if any, expected it to swing so decisively in Verstappen's favor.
With three meetings remaining, including a sprint race, Verstappen's victory has extended his lead over Norris from 44 points to 62, with 86 points still up for grabs. Norris's already challenging task now seems insurmountable. If Verstappen leads by 60 points after the next round in Las Vegas, his fourth title will be secured.
Adding to Norris's woes, his finishing position is yet to be confirmed. The race began in damp conditions with Lance Stroll spinning out on the formation lap, causing the start to be aborted and the grid to reform. Norris then completed another formation lap, which is under investigation for a start procedure infringement. Penalties may yet be imposed.
Verstappen had been unlucky in qualifying, which was held on Sunday morning after being postponed due to a heavy storm. He started 17th due to a five-place grid penalty for a new engine, while Norris claimed pole. However, from the outset, Verstappen showed no signs of giving up.
A lightning start moved him to 11th after the first lap. By lap 11, he was up to sixth and within 10 seconds of leader George Russell. Heavy rain returned, and while McLaren and Mercedes pitted Norris and Russell under a VSC, Verstappen stayed out, proving to be a masterstroke. The race was stopped shortly after due to untenable rain conditions, allowing Verstappen to take new tyres without pitting.
When racing resumed, Verstappen seized the lead from Esteban Ocon during a crucial restart on lap 43, while Norris dropped to seventh. Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri was ordered to let Norris pass for sixth, but Norris's title hopes were dashed. Verstappen dominated in clean air, extending his lead to 20 seconds over Ocon and 30 over Norris, sealing an impressive victory.
Both Mercedes cars, driven by Russell and Hamilton, are also under investigation for changing tyre pressures while the wheels were on the car during the second grid. Charles Leclerc finished fifth for Ferrari, with Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson seventh and ninth for RB, and Piastri in eighth.
Source link: https://www.theguardian.com
