Verstappen wins Brazilian Grand Prix, Perez distances from Hamilton in fight for runner-up place

Three-time champion Max Verstappen led from the beginning and received the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday. Sergio Perez of Pink 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 remaining laps of the race, with the Pink 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 mentioned after being chased by Perez.

Perez will go away South America 32 factors forward of Hamilton with two races left — Las Vegas on Nov. 19 and Abu Dhabi every week later.

Perez began the race at Interlagos within the ninth place and fan-favorite Hamilton in fifth after a irritating qualifying for the Pink Bull driver on Friday. He confirmed some enchancment through the dash race on Saturday, and mentioned later he was extra assured for the grand prix.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was going to start out second, crashed through the formation lap earlier than the beginning attributable to an engine challenge.

A purple flag after the second lap due to a crash involving Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Williams’ Alex Albon gave Pink Bull drivers extra time in searching 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 Pink Bull driver overtook the Mercedes for fifth place, a lot to the frustration of Brazilian followers who assist the seven-time champion.

Method One will race in Sao Paulo no less than till 2030, organizers introduced Friday.

“The entire race was in regards to the administration of the tires,” Verstappen mentioned after the race. “Las Vegas will likely be new for everybody, filled with surprises, I’m positive.”