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 so 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 him in Sao Paulo. The British driver, who ran off the road twice, is now 62 points behind Verstappen with only 86 points available over the concluding three rounds.
It means Verstappen will wrap up the title at the next race in Las Vegas on 24 November if he finishes ahead of his rival. A wild and wacky day at the races started when Lance Stroll crashed on the formation lap. The start was aborted but Norris then led the cars away for a second formation lap when he should not have. Norris faces a stewards’ investigation for the misstep.
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