2024 Brazil GP: Verstappen won from P17 and led Norris by 62 points

Max Verstappen turned a start from P17 into a near-20-second victory at the rain-hit 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix. Lando Norris finished sixth, leaving Verstappen 62 points clear with three Grands Prix weekends remaining.

That P17 start followed a chaotic qualifying session. Saturday’s torrential rain and thunderstorms delayed qualifying until Sunday morning. A late red flag after Lance Stroll’s crash stopped Verstappen completing his decisive lap; he qualified 12th, then grid penalties sent him to P17. Norris took pole.

The race brought a second weather gamble. As rain intensified halfway through, teams had to choose between full wets and staying on intermediates, while also judging whether the race could continue. Most drivers, including Norris, pitted; Verstappen stayed out and climbed to second behind Esteban Ocon, ahead of Norris. Race control stopped the race as conditions worsened, particularly after Franco Colapinto’s heavy crash. During the stoppage, Verstappen could take fresh tyres in the pit lane.

When the track was less wet and the race resumed, Verstappen pressured Ocon. Norris made a conspicuous mistake at the restart and fell further back. A few laps later, Verstappen took the lead and pulled away on the still-wet circuit; Ocon and Pierre Gasly completed the podium.

After the race, Norris was frustrated that Verstappen and the Alpines had benefited from a “free” stop. “It's not talent, it's just luck,” he said; he later returned to the remark and praised Verstappen. One Grand Prix later, in Las Vegas, Verstappen clinched his fourth consecutive world title.