The “hall of fame” triumph in Sao Paulo was driven by Max Verstappen “like Senna and Schumacher,” according to F1 NATION

This week on F1 Nation, Tom Clarkson is joined by F1 TV commentator Alex Jacques and Brazilian ex-driver Ricardo Rosset to analyse the chaotic Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Max Verstappen climbed from P17 to win his first race in eleven races after a masterclass in the rain.

Of Verstappen’s 62 race victories, was this the best? In spite of the perilous circumstances, how did he traverse the grid? Lando Norris, a title contender, couldn’t turn his pole position into a win. What gave? With only three races and one Formula One Sprint remaining in 2024, what does this imply for the drivers’ World Championship?

Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly join the podcast to talk about the significance of their incredible double podium finish and how they overcame the rain. Team principal Oliver Oakes also stops by to discuss the implications of this result for Alpine following a difficult season in Formula One.

Aside from that, Tom, Alex, and Ricardo talk about how George Russell, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson had good weekends, while Lewis Hamilton and Williams had terrible ones.

Press play on the player up top or click here to listen to the most recent episode on your chosen podcasting platform to get the latest on all the major talking points from race weekend.

Max Verstappen fires out at critics after closing in on another title with victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix, with the Dutchman outraged by comments from Damon Hill and other British ex-drivers

Verstappen took a significant step towards retaining his F1 world title at Interlagos.

The Dutchman’s triumph all but ruined Lando Norris’ hopes of claiming his crown.

Max Verstappen shattered Lando Norris’ world championship dreams and attacked his perceived detractors in the British media.

The Dutchman, who has previously stated that he has the ‘wrong passport’ for Formula One, came from 17th on the grid to win the rainy Brazilian Grand Prix. The stunning victory put him 62 points ahead of Norris, with only 86 points remaining.

Verstappen held the required news conference an hour or so after his victory at Interlagos.

He has been upset by recent comments from Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion and Sky pundit, who referred to him as Dick Dastardly from Wacky Races, and Johnny Herbert, the 1995 British Grand Prix winner, a former Sky pundit and now an FIA race steward, who stated that Verstappen can have a ‘horrible mindset’ while driving.

Herbert, to be fair, hailed the defending champion’s outstanding skills, but the Briton gave Verstappen the feeling that he was out to get him. That notion was strengthened by the FIA’s issuance of two 10-second penalties in Mexico a week ago, while Herbert was functioning as driver steward.

Hill accused Verstappen of not playing fair in his bid to retain his world title once again

Verstappen stated yesterday: “I have a quick question here.” I mean, I appreciate everyone being here, but I don’t see any British reporters!

“Do they have to run to the airport, or do they not know where the press conference is?”

Pierre Gasly, Alpine’s third-place finisher, was there on stage for the media call and laughed, saying, ‘That’s a fair question.’

Verstappen, who can defend his title in Las Vegas on November 23, told Mail Sport ahead of the British Grand Prix in July: “Eighty to 85 percent of the press in F1 is English.” So you have such a powerful energy with that. In the back of their minds, most would prefer their national driver to perform well or, in the event of an incident, instinctively support their countryman.

‘Most ex-drivers are British, so it’s a one-sided affair.’

Lando Norris (left) made several mistakes at Interlagos but was defended by his team boss

Norris made multiple mistakes in Interlagos, including losing the lead from pole position and twice running off the track. However, he was supported by his McLaren team principal, Andrea Stella, who stated: “From the outside, it may appear that there were errors. When you lock the tyres of a car, like he did today, I don’t look at the driver; I look at why the automobile keeps locking the tyre.

‘The constructors’ championship has always been our top priority, so this changes nothing.

‘When it came to the drivers’ championship, I don’t think Lando felt any more pressure. This quest was enjoyable for us. Mathematically, we remain in the championship. For Lando and Oscar (Piastri), we’ll strive to win the following races.