Red Bull’s triple world champion, Max Verstappen, added one more feather to his cap by securing his seventeenth victory of the season on the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil on Sunday.
The win not solely prolonged his record-breaking spree but additionally solidified his place within the annals of Formula One historical past.
However, it was not a solo act on this high-octane spectacle, because the race had its justifiable share of adrenaline-pumping moments, with Fernando Alonso stealing the limelight.
As the checkered flag waved at Interlagos, Verstappen held a commanding lead from pole place.
With this triumph, he notched his 52nd profession victory, surging forward of the legendary Alain Prost within the listing of all-time winners.
His unbelievable efficiency final month in Qatar had already secured him the championship, and Red Bull, in a dominant season, retained the constructors’ title.
The champions had triumphed in 19 out of the 20 races, together with a outstanding 5 consecutive victories.
Amid the roar of engines and the screech of tires, the voice of crew boss Christian Horner might be heard over the radio, hailing Verstappen’s medical efficiency.
The victory widened his lead over his teammate, Sergio Perez, by a whopping 266 factors. Perez, in flip, held a 32-point benefit over Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton within the ongoing battle for the second spot within the general rankings.
Max Verstappen, reflecting on his race, emphasised the significance of his begins and tire administration.
He had additionally claimed victory in Saturday’s dash race, additional solidifying his grip on the weekend’s festivities.
While Verstappen’s triumph appeared inevitable, it was Fernando Alonso who offered the late-race pleasure.
The seasoned Spaniard engaged in a dramatic battle with Perez, showcasing the aggressive driving and defensive expertise of a two-time world champion.
In a nail-biting showdown, Alonso clinched third place, simply 0.053 seconds forward of Perez, after an exciting alternate of positions within the closing laps.
The 42-year-old Alonso, proving age is only a quantity, exhibited the guts of a real racer.
Lando Norris, who began Saturday’s dash from pole place, secured a well-earned second place, 8.2 seconds behind Verstappen.
He additionally snagged a bonus level for the quickest lap. This marked the thirteenth podium end of the Briton’s profession, equaling Nick Heidfeld’s file for essentially the most top-three finishes with no win.
The remaining positions within the high eight had been claimed by Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes).
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix witnessed Mercedes’ worst efficiency of the season.
Amid the motion and drama, there have been retirements as effectively.
George Russell, final yr’s winner for Mercedes, needed to bow out of eleventh place on account of an overheating energy unit going through imminent failure.
Ferrari suffered a major setback earlier than the race even started, as Charles Leclerc, who had certified on the entrance row, crashed out through the formation lap.
The race began with a bang as a collision involving Haas’ Kevin Magnussen, Nico Hulkenberg and Williams’ Alex Albon led to the security automotive being deployed.
The race was later red-flagged to restore the tire barrier, offering some respite to the groups and drivers.
Amid the thrill, McLaren’s Australian rookie, Oscar Piastri, seized the chance to make a comeback after being caught up within the first-lap chaos.
His mechanics managed to restore the harm, enabling him to rejoin from a pitlane begin.
Another driver who benefitted from the crimson flag was Daniel Ricciardo, whose AlphaTauri’s rear wing was broken through the preliminary begin however was given a second likelihood to show his mettle.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
