Verstappen stuns F1 drivers after staggering Brazilian GP victory

The Formula 1 grid was quick to congratulate Max Verstappen on his remarkable victory in the São Paulo Grand Prix.

Verstappen recovered from 17th on the grid to win at a soaked Interlagos, putting him within touching distance of a fourth consecutive drivers’ title. 

Several drivers praised the 27-year-old’s performance on social media, with Lando Norris having posted an Instagram story which read: “Congratulations on the impressive victory, Max. As you say yourself, ‘Simply lovely’. 

Verstappen posted on Instagram himself celebrating his 62nd F1 victory, which ended a 10-race winless streak. 

Many drivers commented below the Red Bull driver’s post, including Lewis Hamilton who wrote: “Great driving, congratulations.”

Fernando Alonso left a similar comment, which read: “Fantastic drive, congratulations.” 

Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg took a slightly different approach, and instead posted an emoji of a goat under Verstappen’s post, a nod to the ‘Greatest Of All-Time’.

Verstappen breezed through the field in São Paulo, although was overtaken early in the race by Oscar Piastri. After the race, the Australian revealed how difficult their battle was.

“It was tough,” Piastri told select media including RacingNews365. “I just didn’t have enough pace at the beginning, but he seemed like the only one who could really overtake.

“Although Max had one advantage to get out so early in qualifying. He had a set of new inters, which probably helped a little bit. 

“He was just fast and the situation just didn’t fall his way during qualifying because of the red flag. That was certainly the case in the race. He was just fast and had a good race.”