F1 news LIVE: Max Verstappen taunts British press after stunning win in Brazil
F1 reaction after Verstappen surges from P17 to P1 to win chaotic wet race in Sao Paulo on Sunday
Max Verstappen dealt a fatal blow to Lando Norris’ F1 world championship hopes by racing from 17th on the grid to win a rain-soaked Brazilian Grand Prix in a performance for the ages.
A poor qualifying display and engine penalty meant Verstappen started Sunday’s round with only three cars behind him. But Verstappen assumed the lead of the race on lap 43 of 69 and never looked back in the treacherous conditions to claim a remarkable win that edges him ever closer to a fourth consecutive title.
Verstappen becomes the first driver since Kimi Raikkonen 19 years ago to win a race from as far back on the grid, taking the chequered flag an extraordinary 19.4 seconds clear of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, who were a surprise second and third for Alpine.
George Russell was fourth, one spot ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc. Norris, who started from pole position, finished only sixth on a desperately disappointing afternoon for the British driver in Sao Paulo.
Follow all the latest updates from the Brazilian Grand Prix:
F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Max Verstappen cruising now (Lap 66/69)
A full collection of 26 points for the win and fastest lap are coming Max Verstappen’s way - he’s now 15 seconds clear of Esteban Ocon as this crazy race concludes!
Top-10: Verstappen, Ocon, Gasly, Russell, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Tsunoda, Lawson, Hamilton
F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Lando Norris frustrated in sixth (Lap 63/69)
Norris’ engineer: “Oscar has a 10-second penalty behind, get as close to Leclerc in front.”
Norris: “I am trying to go as quick as I can, what do you think I’m doing?!”
So much frustration for Lando Norris this afternoon. He’s currently 2.2 seconds behind Leclerc in fifth.
F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez battling (Lap 59/69)
Decent bit of racing between Hamilton and Perez for P10 - Hamilton just staying ahead right now!
Verstappen is now over 10 seconds clear of Ocon! And we’re not expecting anymore heavy downpours...
Top-10: Verstappen, Ocon, Gasly, Russell, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Tsunoda, Lawson, Hamilton
F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Lando Norris dropping off behind Charles Leclerc (Lap 54/69)
Lando Norris now 1.5 seconds behind Charles Leclerc in the battle for fifth.
Verstappen, meanwhile, is 7.1 seconds in front and occupies the fastest lap.
It will take a safety car/red flag to save Norris’ race now!
F1 Brazil GP LIVE: Max Verstappen setting fastest laps (Lap 50/69)
Two fastest laps in a row for Max Verstappen - his lead is now 5.2 seconds. Astonishing.
For Norris, he’s not lapping quicker than Leclerc in front of him - and is now two seconds slower than Verstappen. It’s all falling apart for McLaren’s No 1 here!
Top-10: Verstappen, Ocon, Gasly, Russell, Leclerc, Norris, Piastri, Tsunoda, Lawson, Perez
Lewis Hamilton in P11.
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