SAO PAULO (AP) — Three-time champion Max Verstappen led from the beginning and gained the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday. Sergio Perez of Crimson Bull completed in fourth place, distancing himself from Mercedes‘ Lewis Hamilton in one of many few competitions left this season — a place for runner-up.
Perez practically took the rostrum place from third-place Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, however the Spaniard noticed the checkered flag 0.053 second earlier than the Mexican.
The 2 raced for the place within the three closing laps of the race, with the Crimson Bull driver overtaking Alonso as soon as after which shedding the place. McLaren’s Lando Norris was second at Interlagos.
“For me, it was like 30 laps,” Alonso stated after being chased by Perez.
Perez will depart South America 32 factors forward of Hamilton with two races left — Las Vegas on Nov. 19 and Abu Dhabi per week later.
Perez began the race at Interlagos within the ninth place and fan-favorite Hamilton in fifth after a irritating qualifying for the Crimson Bull driver on Friday. He confirmed some enchancment in the course of the dash race on Saturday, and stated later he was extra assured for the grand prix.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was going to start out second, crashed in the course of the formation lap earlier than the beginning as a consequence of an engine problem.
A pink flag after the second lap due to a crash involving Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Williams’ Alex Albon gave Crimson Bull drivers extra time in looking for enhancements.
Verstappen earned his seventeenth win and by no means misplaced the lead, whereas Perez had an aggressive drive to face Hamilton. Within the 18th lap, the Crimson Bull driver overtook the Mercedes for fifth place, a lot to the frustration of Brazilian followers who help the seven-time champion.
Components One will race in Sao Paulo at the least till 2030, organizers introduced Friday.
“The entire race was concerning the administration of the tires,” Verstappen stated after the race. “Las Vegas might be new for everybody, filled with surprises, I’m certain.”
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