Max Verstappen is a formidable driver and has proven himself to be the best on the Formula 1 grid over the past few seasons.
The Dutchman’s incredible run in the first half of the season has helped to carry him towards a fourth consecutive drivers’ championship almost entirely ahead of Lando Norris.
The Brit has pushed him near the limit, evidenced by the Mexico City Grand Prix scuffle that resulted in a Verstappen penalty.
But even when he hasn’t had the car to win, he has still found a way to reliably compete at the top while his teammate has faltered.
Max Verstappen can ‘never’ be counted out of a Formula 1 race
As is evidenced by the statistics, Verstappen appears to be even better in races than he is over one lap – where he is still special.
His Sao Paulo Grand Prix performance will go down in history as one of his best ever and proved why he is always a threat.
Starting from 17th on the grid after an engine penalty, and without a car advantage, Verstappen produced ‘magic’ in wet conditions.
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It was reminiscent of what he did on the same track eight years earlier and effectively ruled out any chance of anyone else winning the title in 2024.
Speaking on Sky Sports F1 before the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Martin Brundle mentioned that even without too much pace in the car, that Verstappen is always a factor in the race.
“You never count Max Verstappen out on any given day in an F1 car.”
How Verstappen pushed Jenson Button into retirement
On the subject of his Sao Paulo drives, Jenson Button is a man who has enjoyed success at the track also, winning his first and only championship there in 2009.
He then took the last McLaren win for a decade there in 2012, and during his final season in 2016, Verstappen delivered one of his first standout performances.
Speaking on the Sky Sports F1 broadcast after qualifying in Las Vegas, he mentioned how a move the Dutchman made pushed him towards retirement.
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“I remember last time Max Verstappen really surprised us all with how skilful he is in those tricky conditions, and it was Brazil 2016,” he said. “It was actually my last Brazilian Grand Prix.
“I normally loved those conditions, and he came past me like I was stood still. That’s when I realised it’s time to leave.”
That serves as a reminder of just how impressive Verstappen is, judging that he managed to send an impressive champion closer to retirement.
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