Max Verstappen continues to rack up victories and records. After winning the sprint the day before, the world champion won the Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix on Sunday, securing a 17th GP victory this season.
Starting from pole on the Interlagos track in Sao Paulo, the Dutchman, already assured of winning his third title this year, won his 52nd F1 victory in Brazil, surpassing Frenchman Alain Prost and his 51 successes. He also became the first driver to cross the 500 championship points barrier in a season.
Alonso on the podium
Second in the GP, Lando Norris will still have to wait to score his first success in the premier category. In Brazil, the McLaren driver scored his 13th podium without a victory, equaling the record of German Nick Heidfeld.
The title already awarded to Verstappen, the battle continues behind for the places of honor. In search of his first F1 vice-champion title, the Mexican Sergio Perez (Red Bull), second in the championship ahead of Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), gave himself some air against the seven-time world champion, only 8th. Arriving in Brazil 20 lengths ahead of his competitor, the Red Bull driver leaves with a lead of 32 points over Hamilton – but also certainly with the regret of not being shown on the podium. And for good reason, the Mexican misses third place by only 53/1000th in favor of double world champion Fernando Alonso.
Two French people in the points
Behind, the French from Alpine Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon end a bad weekend in the points. Starting from 14th and 15th positions after receiving a two-place penalty for hindering competitors during qualifying, they finished 7th and 10th respectively.
On the track, the GP was neutralized and then stopped just moments after the start, due to an accident. The Williams of Alexander Albon came into contact with the Haas of Nico Hülkenberg, before colliding with the other Haas, that of Kevin Magnussen. If Hülkenberg remained on the track, Albon and Magnussen went off, heavily damaging their car. The two drivers, uninjured, had to retire.
Twenty points between Mercedes and Ferrari
The race resumed half an hour later with a standing start, according to the order established at the time of the interruption: Verstappen ahead of Norris. Expected on the front line alongside the Dutchman, Charles Leclerc had to throw in the towel even before the lights went out. The Monegasque went off the track during the formation lap, victim of a steering problem. The other Ferrari, that of Carlos Sainz, finished 6th.
The Scuderia, third in the constructors’ championship in the fight with Mercedes, second, can however console itself with the setbacks of its German rival. If Hamilton finishes in 8th place, his teammate George Russell has retired. Ferrari is now only 20 points behind Mercedes.