Verstappen Fires Back at British Critics After Stunning São Paulo

Verstappen Fires Back at British Critics After Stunning São Paulo GP Comeback

Max Verstappen responded to recent criticism from British media pundits with a brilliant comeback victory at the São Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday, positioning himself on the brink of a fourth consecutive world championship title.

Starting 17th on the grid at Interlagos, the Dutchman staged a sensational drive to claim victory. Meanwhile, his closest title rival, Britain’s Lando Norris, who had secured pole, fell back to sixth place. Verstappen’s lead over Norris expanded from 44 to 62 points, with only 86 points remaining in the season. If he remains 60 points ahead after the next race in Las Vegas, the Red Bull driver will secure the championship.

This win marked Verstappen’s first since June and came amid intense criticism from British media personalities, including former F1 champions and pundits Damon Hill, Martin Brundle, and Johnny Herbert. Hill had likened Verstappen’s recent driving to that of cartoon villain Dick Dastardly, while Brundle suggested Verstappen’s legacy was being “tainted” following his recent 20-second penalty in Mexico for forcing Norris off the track. Herbert, now an FIA steward, also labeled Verstappen’s driving as “harsh” and “over the top.”

After his impressive victory in Brazil, Verstappen took a swipe at the absence of British journalists at the press conference, remarking, “I have a quick question. I mean, I appreciate all of you being here, but I don’t see any British press. Do they have to run to the airport, or they don’t know where the press conference is?”

Reflecting on his win, Verstappen described the victory as “incredibly important” for the championship, admitting he initially feared Norris’s pole position would narrow his lead. He credited his team’s strategy and emphasized the emotional rollercoaster of the race: “We stayed out of trouble, we made the right calls, and we were flying.”

Looking ahead to the next race, Verstappen expressed a desire for a clean competition. “I just want clean races, that’s all. I am not thinking about clinching the championship in Vegas or whatever,” he said, staying focused and unfazed by the title pressure.

With the Las Vegas Grand Prix looming, Verstappen remains firmly in control of the championship race, determined to prove his critics wrong through his driving on the track.