In a thrilling Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday, November 3, Max Verstappen powered through from a P17 start to claim his first victory since June, navigating shifting weather conditions and multiple incidents along the way. The chaotic race saw Alpine clinch an unexpected double podium, with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finishing second and third, propelling the team from ninth to sixth in the Constructors’ Championship.
The drama began before the lights even went out when Lance Stroll spun on the formation lap, creating confusion over the start procedure. Pole-sitter Lando Norris led several cars off while others stayed on the grid, prompting post-race investigations for Norris, George Russell, Yuki Tsunoda, and Liam Lawson over possible start infringements.
Once racing commenced, Russell took an early lead over Norris as Verstappen quickly advanced through the pack. Unpredictable rain and a series of incidents, including a Lap 32 crash by Franco Colapinto that triggered a red flag, disrupted race strategies. Russell and Norris were set back by pitting just before the Virtual Safety Car period ended, allowing Ocon to take the lead as the race resumed with Verstappen and Gasly close behind.
Another Safety Car deployment, following Carlos Sainz’s crash, saw Verstappen seize control. The reigning world champion then widened his lead, crossing the finish line with an impressive 19.477-second margin.
Alpine’s Ocon and Gasly managed to fend off competitors to secure P2 and P3, marking a huge leap forward for the team. Russell took fourth place for Mercedes, while Charles Leclerc claimed fifth for Ferrari. Norris finished sixth, a disappointing result as he slipped further behind Verstappen in the drivers’ standings. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished seventh but was demoted to eighth after a 10-second penalty for a collision with Lawson.
This dramatic race marks one of the most remarkable drives of Verstappen’s season and a breakthrough moment for Alpine.
