MAX VERSTAPPEN made a stunning comeback from 17th place to win a crazy Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

He ruthless dutch He overcame a five-place grid penalty, a chaotic qualifying session, a sprint penalty, as well as bags of Damon Hill this weekend.

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The three-time world champion made a big statement in the title race, crossing the line 19 seconds ahead of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly on an excellent day for Alpine.

The last time Verstappen stood on the top of the podium was at the Spanish Grand Prix ten races and six months ago.

The Dutchman achieved the fastest lap and can take the title in Las Vegas in three weeks if he surpasses Lando Norris there after the Brit finished sixth today after a woeful performance.

Brazil had been full of drama all weekend and today career It continued where a chaotic and accident-plagued morning qualifying session had left off.

Norris had secured pole, while a seething Verstappen finished in 12th place after a session in which FIVE Red flags for strong crashes.

Verstappen was furious at the delay in raising the red flag for Lance Stroll’s crash, which was believed to have allowed other drivers to knock him out of the top 10.

It only seemed to light the fire in the Dutchman’s belly when he lined up on the grid in 17th after Red Bull put a new engine in its RB20.

The drama broke out before career It had even started when Stroll lost control of his car on the formation lap and got stuck in the gravel, aborting the start and prompting a safety car.

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Remarkable scenes followed, with some drivers, including Norris, pulling away for another formation lap while Verstappen and others stood still.

Norris was then subjected to investigation for a violation of initial procedure, as replays showed there was no green light on the gantry when Norris walked away from most of the field.

To rub salt in the wounds, Verstappen had pointed out the mistake.

Finally the fans were able to enjoy some races and it was George Russell who was ahead on Lap 1 after passing Norris off the line.

It was an impressive first lap from Verstappen that meant business and shot up seven places.

On lap ten the Dutchman had passed Norris. McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri for seventh place.

At the front of the pack, Norris was chasing Russell with just over a second separating him as the rain lashed down.

On lap 28 the first virtual safety car appeared, as Nico Hulkenberg was off the track. career in turn one.

This caused chaos at the pit stops as Russell and Norris pitted with the end of the virtual safety car.

Russell stayed ahead but Ocon and Verstappen were left out, as was Gasly.

Ocon took first place and Verstappen was second, while Norris passed Russell for fourth place on lap 30.

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He continued urinating and there was a safety car due to the heavy rain with Ocon in the lead, Verstappen second, Gasly third and then Norris and Russell.

Then there was a red flag when Franco Colapinto suffered a bad fall on the uphill race to the finish line.

Colapinto exited his car and appeared to be fine, but Williams’ budget certainly took a hit, given it was his third major crash of the day.

Russell was left furious and furious. mercedes equipment radio after being told career He had received a red flag just a few laps after his pit stop:

“I fucking said it!

“We should have stayed out!”

To add to the drama, Hulkenerg was disqualified for receiving assistance after he went off the track.

When racing resumed, Norris’s nerves got the better of him and he went deep into turn four, allowing Russell to pass.

Carlos Sainz He then crashed out of the race on lap 40 after spinning into the wall, prompting another safety car.

Verstappen left a big marker in the title race after the restart when he took the lead as Norris went disastrously off the track and dropped to seventh place.

Piastri came to the rescue and let Norris pass on the run into turn four, so the Briton moved up to sixth place while his rival Verstappen had left him in the dust.

The Dutchman now leads Norris in the drivers’ championship by 62 points.

Verstappen’s race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase said after the race: “Wow, it took a long time to get here mate, but it was worth the wait. You’re the man.”

Verstappen: “Yes! What an incredible race, guys! You know what it is. Just lovely. I tell you.”

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