Verstappen smashes Schumacher record as Norris makes ‘lucky’ claim – International media reacts

Max Verstappen recovered from 17th on the grid to win the São Paulo Grand Prix, ending his 10-race winless streak and edging him closer to a fourth F1 drivers’ title. 

The Dutchman was superior at a soaked Interlagos, calving his way through the field after a disappointing qualifying. 

Verstappen winning was not the only shock on the rostrum, as he was joined by the Alpine duo of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. 

Lando Norris could only salvage sixth after a difficult race, which has all but ended his title hopes this season.

What did the rest of the world make of the race? Find out as RacingNews365 takes you through the headlines of some of the biggest global publications.

🇬🇧 The Times – ‘I made mistakes but Verstappen was just lucky, says Norris’

Starting in the United Kingdom, and The Times focused on post-race comments from Norris, following what was a disappointing afternoon for the Briton. 

Norris started on pole but immediately lost the lead to George Russell, before pitting under a virtual safety car. 

The McLaren driver rejoined behind Verstappen, with a red flag flown moments later after a heavy crash for Franco Colapinto.

Verstappen changed tyres during the stoppage before going on to claim victory. Norris accepted he made mistakes but was quick to air his view that the Dutchman got lucky.

🇮🇹 La Gazzetta dello Sport – ‘Verstappen’s hunger eats away at Norris’ talent’

In Italy, La Gazzetta dello Sport discussed Verstappen’s incredible drive, underlining how he is superior to Norris. 

Norris did make multiple errors, including at the start of the race where he failed to follow the aborted start procedure. 

Verstappen was flawless, with not one mistake made by the reigning world champion. 

Very few in F1 history could achieve what Verstappen did from 17th, which is what keeps him ahead of the pack.

🇳🇱 De Telegraaf – ‘Verstappen takes Schumacher record and approaches 1000 days in the lead’

In the Netherlands, De Telegraaf celebrated Verstappen taking a record from seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher. 

Verstappen surpassed Schumacher’s record for leading the F1 drivers’ title for 896 consecutive days, with the Dutchman now topped the standings for 897 days. 

Schumacher led from September 24, 2000, to March 9, 2003, whilst Verstappen has been at the top of the drivers’ championship since the 2022 Spanish Grand Prix on May 22 

This figure will comfortably increase, as the Dutchman can claim the title in Las Vegas. 

🇫🇷 L’Equipe – ‘”Two guys from a karting club on the same podium”: Ocon and Gasly sang in the rain’

In France, L’Equipe has discussed Alpine’s tremendous double podium in Interlagos after both Ocon and Gasly mastered the wet conditions. 

Like Verstappen, neither French driver made a mistake and looked comfortable in the podium places. Ocon did briefly lead the race, before being overtaken by Verstappen with a Turn 1 move. 

It marked a special occasion for the entire team, including both drivers, whose relationship has been frosty. 

However, in Brazil they celebrated together and reflected on how they prepared for the weather together in go karts when they were only kids. 

🇩🇪 BILD – ‘Millions in damage in Formula 1’

In Germany, BILD has looked at all the crashes from qualifying and the millions of dollars in damage done.

Qualifying took place at 07:30 local time, a new F1 record for the earliest qualifying session. It featured a record-equalling five red flags caused by five crashes. 

Franco Colapinto was the first in Q1, then Carlos Sainz and Lance Stroll in Q2, before Fernando Alonso and Alex Albon in Q3. 

Albon’s was the biggest of the five, resulting in the Thai-British driver being unable to compete in the race. To Williams’ pain, Colapinto had a second major crash in the race. 

🇦🇺 Herald Sun – ‘Max Verstappen throws his weight behind 20-year-old rising star for F1 seat’

And finally, in Australia, the Herald Sun wrote about comments made on media day by Verstappen ahead of the São Paulo GP. 

The specific comments used were of Verstappen praising McLaren junior driver Gabriel Bortoleto, who is edging closer to becoming Nico Hulkenberg’s Stake F1 team-mate for next year. 

Bortoleto currently leads the F2 standings by 4.5 points, with Verstappen urging Stake F1 to sign the talented Brazilian.