Following his latest triumph in Brazil, Max Verstappen draws a comparison to the rain-affected race in 2016, when he came from behind to finish third
Max Verstappen considers his latest victory in the rain-affected race in Brazil to be one of the best of his career, comparing it to his race in Interlagos in 2016, when he finished a strong third in the wet. However, the Red Bull driver notes that he was in a completely different position back then.
“I had nothing to lose. I wasn’t in the title fight and was coming from behind after a strategic mistake,” he explains. By contrast, the stakes were significantly higher in Brazil in 2024: ”This is definitely much more crucial than it used to be. I had to drive in a more controlled manner and be more aware of the championship.”
That’s why Verstappen highlights the most recent success in particular, as he now had to act under greater pressure as the defending champion. Although both races “definitely belong in his top 10” but “for me, this race is definitely the best”.
Like 2024, 2016 also saw Verstappen produce a rain chase. After a strategic setback, he fought his way back from 16th place to third with spectacular overtaking maneuvers. His drive was celebrated by fans and experts as masterful and compared to legendary drivers like Ayrton Senna.
Quality in the rain comes from go-karting
When asked about his strength in the wet, Verstappen cites his extensive experience in karting as a decisive advantage. As a driver in the Netherlands, where wet conditions are common, he experienced many rain races at a young age and built up valuable skills in the process.
“It’s like when I was karting. The guys who were good in the wet, they are good in Formula One today as well. So it’s definitely a thing that you learn when you are young and you practice a lot. I think where we come from it definitely rains a bit more than other places,” Verstappen says.
“You go out, you practise, you get more comfortable, and you definitely hone your skills to get better. I think you take that with you, and of course you continue to develop and get better. And then you use that to your advantage.”
Ultimately, this gave the Dutchman his first victory in ten races in Brazil, which makes it even more significant. “Of course I wanted to win again sooner,” Verstappen admits. “The last few races were tough for us and we wondered why the others were so much faster.”
Verstappen: This time the car also played along
Red Bull, the team that dominated the competition almost throughout last season, has often been left behind this season and has had problems finding the right performance. And given his 17th place on the grid, “it didn’t look like we were going to win the race in Brazil,” Verstappen admits.
To catch up from behind, the 27-year-old knew he had to take a risk: “I was just very motivated to have a good race and just wait and see what happened. Because when it rains, crazy things can always happen.”
The Red Bull driver soon gained a few positions and sensed that not only his performance, but also that of the car, was up to the task in the rainy conditions.
“As soon as I had one or two laps of clear driving, I was the fastest on the track,” said Verstappen. ‘I just had to try to overtake the guys to compete at the front. I felt comfortable in the car. I feel comfortable in the wet anyway, but the car also worked well.’
When asked at what point he thought he could win the race, Verstappen says: “When I passed Esteban in Turn 1. From then on, I tried to take care of the tires, because you never know what will happen at the end. Wear is always very high here.”
“But yes, I felt good. The car had a good balance. I just had to concentrate to avoid making mistakes, because the track was still slippery.” In the end, he crossed the finish line with a lead of over 19 seconds.
Red Bull and Verstappen are now hoping to end the season’s final races on a similarly positive note. “It’s a huge boost for the team, because, to be honest, it’s been tough. But it’s also a great strength of the team to stay calm and just work on performance and try to improve our situation.
“And I am confident,” emphasizes Verstappen, ‘that we will be able to fight again in the last three races and that we will be more competitive in the race in particular.’