After turning a 17th position qualifying into an outstanding victory, Max Verstappen added another piece to the puzzle in his bid for yet another World Championship. The Red Bull driver’s commanding drive in an absolutely treacherous rain-filled race now extends his lead over Norris to 62 points.
The Dutch racing driver had an unfortunate start to the weekend after enduring a very disappointing qualifying session, leaving him at almost the back of the grid. However, ever since the first lap of the race, he made it clear that he was a man on a mission- a mission to win. He carved his way through the field, taking advantage of every strategy and pitstop under the heavy rain. With a red flag prompted by Williams driver Franco Colapinto’s crash, Verstappen had a clear sight of the finish line.
“My emotions today have been from almost trying to destroy the garage to winning the race,“ Verstappen said. “I knew that overtaking was going to be tough, but we had a good start and pegged off a few drivers here and there. With the conditions, it was almost like driving a boat. When I got past Esteban, I thought, ‘Ok, now I just need to stay focused.’” (F1 – 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Post-Race Press Conference Transcript)
For Alpine, the race ended as one of their best races, in a few seasons. Their drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished second and third respectively. These results gave the Enstone-based team a huge boost in the Constructor’s Championship, moving them from ninth up to sixth.
“I’m not sure if this is reality or still a dream, but I smell champagne, so I think it’s real,” Ocon said. (F1 – 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Post-Race Press Conference Transcript)
The relationship between Ocon and Gasly has not always been the best, to say the least. However, this experience bonded the two Frenchmen back together again.
“We [Ocon and Gasly] were racing on the wet in go-karts, in the snow with slicks, just waiting for a podium, or win to come. Today, it feels like those days,” Ocon said. (F1 – 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Post-Race Press Conference Transcript)
Gasly echoed his teammate’s sentiments, commenting on their shared history and perseverance. He felt the same certain warm bond again with his teammate – that once long-lost feeling.
“It’s a very personal relationship between Esteban and me,” Gasly said. “We have been through so much, from freezing winners at the karting track to the challenges of this season. George was big in the mirrors, but I knew if I kept him at bay, we would have it.” (F1 – 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Post-Race Press Conference Transcript)
George Russell looked very disappointed with his fourth-place finish. The Mercedes driver started on the front row at the beginning of the Grand Prix. However, with heavier rain and a botched strategy plan, he suddenly ended up on the back foot. The poor strategy choice to put him on the wrong tire gave away track position to drivers like Verstappen and the two Alpines.
“My take is, if we stayed out we would’ve been first at the restart [Safety Car restart],” said Russell. “Where we could’ve ended up, I don’t know, but I was very angry at the time because I wanted to stay out [of the pits].”(Drivers React After The Race | 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix)
Lando Norris, one of the highlight drivers of the season, and once a serious contender for the championship, finished sixth all the way from pole. The McLaren driver appeared quite dispirited about his chances at the Driver’s Championship going forward.
“It’s tough, but we will keep pushing,” Norris said. “Days like these remind you how quickly things can change… it’s just luck, [I was] unlucky.” (Drivers React After The Race | 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix)
Verstappen seemed elated to finally win a Grand Prix after a 10 races. He still remains cautious about the championship, citing that if he wants to win the big prize, he has to race clean to the end. With three races and a sprint left in this 2024 championship, the big prize indeed leans heavily in his favor. However, the intense drama, with all the chaos and carnage at Interlagos, shows that nothing is ever certain in live sports, especially Formula 1.
