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(Motorsport-Total.com) – Max Verstappen considers his recent victory in the wet race in Brazil to be one of the best of his career and compares it to his race at Interlagos in 2016, when he finished a strong third in the wet. At that time, however, he was in a completely different position, the Red Bull driver notes.
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“I had nothing to lose. I wasn’t in the fight for the title and came from behind after a strategic mistake,” he explains. In contrast, there was significantly more at stake in Brazil 2024: “This is definitely much more crucial than before. I had to drive more controlled and be more aware of the championship.”
That’s why Verstappen particularly emphasizes his recent success, as he now had to act under greater pressure as defending champion. Both races “definitely belong in his top 10 list,” but “for me, this race is definitely the best.”
As in 2024, Verstappen also caught up in the rain in 2016. After a strategic setback, he fought his way back from 16th place to third place with spectacular overtaking maneuvers. His drive was hailed as masterful by fans and experts and compared to legendary drivers such as Ayrton Senna.
Quality in the rain comes from go-karting
When asked about his strength in the rain, Verstappen cited his many years of experience in karting as a decisive advantage. From a young age, he experienced many wet races as a rider in the Netherlands, where conditions are often wet, and developed valuable skills in the process.
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“It’s like go-karting back then. The guys who were good in the wet are also good in Formula 1 today. So it’s definitely something you learn at a young age if you train a lot. I think where we come from it definitely rains a little more than other places,” says Verstappen.
“You go out there, you practice, you get more comfortable, and you definitely hone your skills to get better. I think you take that with you, and of course you develop and get better. And then you use that his advantage.”
This ultimately gave the Dutchman his first victory in ten races in Brazil, which makes it even more important. “Of course I wanted to win again sooner,” admits Verstappen. “The last few races were tough for us and we asked ourselves why the others were so much faster.”
Verstappen: This time the car also played a part
Red Bull, the team that dominated the competition almost throughout last season, was often left behind this season and had problems finding the right performance. And given 17th place on the grid, “it didn’t look like we were going to win the race in Brazil,” admits Verstappen.
In order to catch up from behind, the 27-year-old knew that he had to take risks: “I was just very motivated to have a good race and just wait and see what happened. Because crazy things can always happen in the rain.”
The Red Bull driver soon made up a few positions and felt that not only his performance, but also the car’s performance was right in the rainy conditions.
“As soon as I had a clear lap or two, I was the fastest on the track,” said Verstappen. “I just had to try to overtake the guys to be at the front. I felt comfortable in the car. I feel comfortable in the wet anyway, but the car worked well too.”
F1: Brazilian Grand Prix (Sao Paulo) 2024 – Sunday
When asked at what point he thought he could win the race, Verstappen said: “When I passed Esteban (Ocon) in turn 1. From then on I tried to get on the tires Be careful, because you never know what will happen in the end. The wear and tear is always very high here.”
“But yes, I felt good. The car had a good balance. I just had to concentrate not to make any 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 final races of the season on a similarly positive note. “It’s a huge boost for the team because, to be honest, it was tough. But it’s also a great strength of the team to stay calm and just keep going “To work hard and try to improve our situation.”
“And I am confident,” emphasizes Verstappen, “that we can fight again in the last three races and that we will be more competitive, especially in the race.”
How did Max Verstappen’s karting background influence his performance in wet weather conditions during the Brazilian Grand Prix?
Guest 1: Max Verstappen, Defending Formula One World Champion
Guest 2: A Formula One Expert/Journalist
Editor: Good evening guests. Thank you for joining us today to discuss Max Verstappen’s recent win in the Brazilian Grand Prix and his performance in the wet weather conditions. Max, could you tell us about your thoughts on your recent victory in Brazil? How does this compare to your 2016 race at Interlagos and the challenges you faced back then as a third-place finisher in the wet, with no pressure from the championship?
Verstappen: Of course, I’d be happy to. My recent victory in Brazil was definitely special, especially considering the circumstances. Back in 2016, when I finished third in the rain, I didn’t have the championship on the line and was able to let loose a bit more. This year, with the championship at stake, it was a different story. I had to maintain composure and make calculated decisions. I’m glad that I was able to manage the pressure and come out on top. The race definitely belongs in my top 10 list and remains one of the most memorable for me.
Expert: That’s interesting, Max. As a journalist who’s followed your career, what do you think made this year’s race more challenging, given that you were fighting for the championship? Additionally, how have you been able to maintain your strength in wet weather conditions throughout your career?
Verstappen: Well, the main challenge this year was the fact that we were not as competitive as last season. We struggled to find the right setup and performance. Starting in 17th place didn’t give us much hope, either. However, I knew that I had to take risks and make the most of the situation. Wet weather has always been my strength, and I attribute that to my karting days in the Netherlands, where it rains frequently. I think the experience I gained from those years is something I’ve carried forward to Formula One, and the team has always supported me in developing my skills in these conditions.
Guest 1: Can you expand on that, Max? How has your experience in go-karting contributed to your success in the rain?
Verstappen: Absolutely. Go-karting
