The Dutchman came back from 17th on the grid to take victory at Interlagos, while his title rival Lando Norris fell back from pole to finish sixth. The British driver had trailed by 44 points but is now 62 behind, with 86 remaining on the table. If Verstappen is 60 ahead after the next round in Las Vegas, then the Red Bull driver will be champion.
The victory was his first since June, and following recent feisty exchanges on track with Norris, Verstappen had been fiercely critiqued for his behaviour from the likes of former F1 drivers Damon Hill, Martin Brundle and Johnny Herbert. Hill, who won the 1996 drivers' championship, had compared him to the Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly, while Brundle said the Dutch driver's legacy was being "tainted" in the wake of his 20-second penalty in Mexico for forcing Norris off the road twice. Herbert, now an FIA steward, claimed Verstappen's driving had been "harsh" and "over the top".
Denne historien er fra November 05, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Denne historien er fra November 05, 2024-utgaven av The Guardian.
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Arsenal hold Rosicky talks over sporting director role
Tomas Rosicky is a leading contender to become Arsenal's sporting director, although any return to his former club would probably be put on hold until the end of the season.
United Ponder January Sales Club Open to Mainoo and Højlund Offers
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Cunha ban cut for offering to buy victim new glasses
Matheus Cunha had a ban for scuffling with an Ipswich staff member reduced after the Wolves forward offered to buy the man a new pair of glasses.
Isak and Gordon pounce to put Newcastle firmly in driving seat
The irony will surely not be lost on Mikel Arteta. On a night when his side were hoping to put one foot in the Carabao Cup final, it was Alexander Isak - a striker that the Arsenal manager has long coveted - who did the damage as Newcastle secured a famous victory.
Liverpool have not stolen a single point, claims Slot
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Postecoglou backs Son and says even Salah would struggle at Spurs
Manager points to lack of creativity in team as reason for South Korean's poor form
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Transfer roundup Palace and Ipswich battle for £20m Doak
Crystal Palace and Ipswich are set to test Liverpool's resolve to keep Ben Doak by making improved bids worth £20m for the Scotland forward.
Everton owners right to be looking at manager options, says Dyche
Sean Dyche has said Everton's new owners should be exploring managerial options because he has not won enough games this season to keep the pressure off.
Lopetegui in limbo as Potter demand stalls Hammers deal
Julen Lopetegui is in limbo after West Ham's move to replace their manager stalled over Graham Potter's demand for a two-and-a-half-year contract.
