Verstappen took his first victory since June, breaking through from 17th place at the Brazilian Grand Prix, Ocon and Gasly into the top 3

Dutch Red Bull driver Max Verstappen won Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix race, starting from 17th place.

Verstappen won a stage for the first time since the Spanish Grand Prix, which took place June 21–23. The Dutchman strengthened his lead in the individual championship three races before the end of the season. His closest pursuer in the championship, Briton Lando Norris (McLaren), was only sixth in Sao Paulo.

Alpin drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished second and third. The French team’s best result of the season so far was ninth place. This is Alpine’s first double podium finish in history.

The race took place in rainy conditions and was interrupted by red flags due to the accident of the Argentine Williams driver Franco Colapinto on the 33rd lap. Thanks to this, race leaders Ocon, Verstappen and Gasly were able to skip the mandatory pit stop – their tires were changed in the pit lane during a pause in the race. Already at the restart, Verstappen was able to take the lead and create a gap from his pursuers.

The next stage of the championship will be held in Las Vegas from November 22 to 24.

“Formula 1”. Stage 21. Brazilian Grand Prix

Race. Top 10

1. Max Verstappen (Netherlands, Red Bull) – 69 laps

2. Esteban Ocon – +19.477

3. Pierre Gasly (both France, Alpin) – +22.532

4. George Russell (Great Britain, Mercedes) – +23.265

5. Charles Leclerc (Monaco, Ferrari) – +30.177

6. Lando Norris (Great Britain, McLaren) – +31,372

7. Yuki Tsunoda (Japan, RB) – +42,056

8. Oscar Piastri (Australia, McLaren) – +44,943

9. Liam Lawson (New Zealand, RB) – +50.452

10. Lewis Hamilton (Great Britain, Mercedes) – +50.753.