Max Verstappen laughs off naysayers after master class in wet weather in Brazil – Irvine Times

Verstappen produced one of the best drives of his dazzling career to win a rain-soaked Brazilian Grand Prix and extend his title lead over Norris to 62 points with just 86 remaining in the final three rounds.

But before his virtuoso performance, Verstappen was likened to Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly by Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion, while respected broadcaster and former British racing driver Martin Brandl said the Dutch driver’s legacy was “tarnished” after his A 20-second penalty in Mexico for forcing Norris off the road twice.

FIA steward Jonny Herbert, who won the 1995 British Grand Prix, said Verstappen’s driving was “harsh” and “exaggerated” and that he thought Verstappen had a “terrible mindset”.

After fielding a series of questions in the official FIA media talk following his Interlagos triumph, Verstappen said: “I have a quick question. I mean I appreciate you all here but I don’t see any British press. Do they have to run to the airport or do they not know where the press conference is?”

Frenchman Pierre Gasly, who finished third and sat next to Verstappen, added: “It’s a fair question.”

Verstappen’s climb from 17th to first places him on the verge of winning a fourth straight title.

Norris looked set to eat into Verstappen’s lead after taking pole position. However, the McLaren man fell behind George Russell off the starting line and then ran off the road twice. He finished sixth, half a minute behind his rival.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella said: “Sometimes from the outside it can look like there’s a mistake. When you lock the tires on a car like he did today, I don’t look at the driver, I look at why the car keeps locking the tires.

“The Constructors’ Championship has always been our priority. So it doesn’t change anything.

“When it comes to the Drivers’ Championship, I don’t think there was any particular pressure for Lando. We enjoyed this search.

“Mathematically we are still in the championship. For Lando and Oscar (Piastri), we will go and try to win the next races.”

Verstappen will be crowned champion at the next round in Las Vegas on November 23 if he finishes ahead of Norris.