Bernie Ecclestone pinpoints Michael Schumacher moment Max Verstappen’s Sao Paulo win reminded him of

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Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen produced one of the greatest drives of his career at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to all but wrap up a fourth Formula 1 title.

Few F1 fans would have been in any doubt that Max Verstappen would have been challenging for points or even a podium after starting 17th on the grid at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The rainy conditions suited one of Verstappen’s many strengths and by the end of the first lap, he was already running in the top 10.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri provided no defence when Verstappen came up behind him, powerless to help teammate Lando Norris’s unlikely title bid.

Liam Lawson showed his Red Bull number two credentials by letting Verstappen ease past moments later.

However, a red flag changed the complexion of the race and Verstappen’s target no longer became a top-three finish, but a victory that would put the Drivers’ Championship almost beyond doubt.

The Dutchman dove down the inside of the excellent Esteban Ocon on the final safety car restart of the day, and Verstappen proved his superior skills in the wet by setting fastest lap after fastest lap on his way to victory.

Former F1 chief executive Bernie Ecclestone spoke to F1 Insider after the race and was incredibly impressed with Verstappen’s performance.

He picked out one particular moment from seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher’s career that his win reminded him of.

Bernie Ecclestone compares Max Verstappen’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix win to Michael Schumacher

Talking about the 27-year-old’s victory, Ecclestone said: “It was unbelievable, Max looked as if he could walk on water.

“His performance is comparable to Ayrton Senna’s victories in Portugal in 1985 and Donington in 1993 or Michael Schumacher’s brilliant rain drive in Barcelona in 1996.

“What they all have in common: they all won convincingly, even though they didn’t have the best car.”

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The 1996 Spanish Grand Prix held in Barcelona was an iconic moment in Schumacher’s career.

Racing for Ferrari, the German was already a two-time world champion after his time with Benetton and trying to chase down Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve in the championship.

Schumacher started third behind both Williams drivers but produced a performance in sodden conditions that could barely be believed.

After a technical fault at the beginning of the race, Schumacher slipped down the order but took the lead from Villeneuve by lap 13.

Only six drivers finished the race, but Schumacher won with a 45-second advantage and ultimately earned his Regenmeister nickname, meaning ‘Rainmaster’.

Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso laud Max Verstappen’s performance

Verstappen may not have opened up the same gap as Schumacher by the end of the race but he had a lot more overtaking to do.

Lewis Hamilton praised Verstappen’s performance and having raced against Schumacher, would have noticed the similarities.

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Another veteran of the sport Fernando Alonso hailed Verstappen after witnessing his victory despite his struggles throughout the race.

It’s only a matter of time until Verstappen is a four-time world champion and a victory at the next race in Las Vegas would be enough.

He’s quickly closing in on Schumacher and Hamilton’s record but the vast rule changes in 2026 could derail his streak if next year’s campaign doesn’t.