Jolyon Palmer snubs Max Verstappen for 445-point star as his Sao Paulo Grand Prix driver of the day

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When Max Verstappen inevitably secures his fourth world championship title this season, the Sao Paulo Grand Prix will likely be looked back on as his greatest performance of the year.

Starting the race in 17th after being caught out by a red flag in qualifying and having to serve a five-place grid penalty, Max Verstappen was in damage limitation mode.

Lando Norris had won the Sprint Race the day before – with a little bit of help from Oscar Piastri – to close the gap in the Drivers’ Championship to 44 points.

However, Verstappen justified comparisons to Ayrton Senna by starring in treacherous rainy conditions to not just win the race, but demolish the rest of the field.

He now knows that a victory at the next race in Las Vegas will guarantee a fourth consecutive championship after Norris failed to convert another pole position start into victory, albeit with a poorly-timed red flag working against him.

Speaking on the Chequered Flag Podcast, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer was discussing the race with journalist Andrew Benson and commentator Harry Benjamin.

While they all admitted that Verstappen was exceptional, Palmer instead handed his driver of the day award to Alpine star Esteban Ocon.

Ocon secured the fourth podium finish of his career and added to his 445-point career tally with a drive that would have earned him victory had any other driver been behind him on the final restart of the race.

Jack Doohan was delighted for Ocon and teammate Pierre Gasly after the race and that result will give the young Australian confidence before he takes the Frenchman’s seat in 2025.

Jolyon Palmer names Esteban Ocon driver of the day ahead of Max Verstappen after the Brazilian Grand Prix

Benjamin asked his co-hosts who impressed them the most in Brazil and said: “I presume it’s a clean sweep. Max was our driver of the day or any other notable mentions?”

Benson replied: “How can you give it to anybody else, he was just outstanding.”

READ MORE: Alpine driver Esteban Ocon’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Palmer didn’t agree entirely though and suggested: “Well, you know what? So was Esteban Ocon. You can go large on Max Verstappen, I might give it to Ocon.

“That’s not to take away from Verstappen, but the guy qualified fourth in an Alpine, kept Verstappen at bay, controlled the first restart.

“He was done in the end, but he’s driving an Alpine. Let’s give it Ocon for a change.”

Max Verstappen and Esteban Ocon agreed on key issue before the Sao Paulo Grand Prix

Verstappen is constantly in the headlines in Formula 1, even when he’s not winning races.

His swearing at an FIA press conference in Singapore and driving antics in Mexico City have courted plenty of attention.

Damon Hill questioned Verstappen after he received two penalties at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez but there was nothing questionable about his performance in Brazil.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s life outside F1 from net worth to girlfriend

Ted Kravitz shared that Ocon was Verstappen’s biggest supporter when it came to the Dutchman’s more aggressive tactics against Norris.

The pair were in discussions in the cooldown room after the race where Verstappen made an unintended dig at Sergio Perez, but very much enjoyed a cleaner race while others around them struggled.