Max Verstappen‘s performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix was nothing short of remarkable, according to Christian Horner. Despite starting from 17th on the grid, he clinched victory at Interlagos, bringing him closer to his fourth world championship with three races left in 2024.
The race was full of interruptions, but Verstappen handled the chaos like a pro. While Lando Norris began in pole position and hoped to narrow the championship gap, it was Verstappen who dominated under the rainy skies of Sao Paulo. His team’s strategic decisions on the pit wall were key to his 13-second win.
The treacherous conditions led to numerous safety car deployments due to crashes. During one virtual safety car period, George Russell and Norris pitted for new tires after Russell took an early lead. Red Bull decided to keep Verstappen out, waiting for a more opportune moment—a strategy that paid off when Franco Colapinto crashed, bringing out a red flag. This allowed Verstappen and Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly to execute their plans perfectly and control the race once it resumed.
Horner debriefs on Red Bull’s perfect calls
After the race, Horner praised the team’s strategic choices that contributed to Verstappen’s success. “We could see the weather was getting horrendous,” he explained. “His tyres were in good shape though, so a new set of inters versus what he had was negligible. So we took the decision, let’s go long.” Fans might think this was a risky move but clearly a smart one!
Horner also lauded Verstappen for his exceptional race management: “Thereafter, the race got running, I think, too soon, but he [Verstappen] took it easy. Ocon pulled out a lead; he was just starting to close that down, and then another safety car. Then his restart, his braking manoeuvre into turn one was outstanding.”
This article was created in collaboration with Nicole Mulder.
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