Max Verstappen reveals his ’emotions’ after ‘rollercoaster’ Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory

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Max Verstappen enjoyed one of his finest days in Formula 1 with a fantastic performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The Dutchman recovered from starting 17th on the grid, scything through the field to lead just over halfway through the race.

It was a reminder to everyone of just how special he is, having found a way to retain his championship lead without having the fastest car for much of the year.

Now it looks as if he is in prime position to secure a fourth straight triumph and etch his name into the history books even further, with the likes of Sebastian Vettel, Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

Max Verstappen felt ‘really unlucky’ after Sao Paulo Grand Prix Qualifying

It would have been easy for Verstappen to admit defeat after qualifying, where he was eliminated in Q2 after the red flag was brought out for a crash.

He didn’t let that get to him and used it as motivation to gain 11 places in the first 11 laps of the race at a time when his rivals struggled to overtake.

Speaking after the race, the Red Bull driver revealed how he approached the wet race, which caught so many drivers out.

READ MORE: What Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson did in the pit lane after Sao Paulo Grand Prix collision

“My emotions today have been a rollercoaster with qualifying being really unlucky with the red flag. Starting in P17 I knew it would be a very tough race,” said Verstappen.

“We stayed out of trouble, made the right calls, we stayed calm and we were flying. All of these things together. I mean unbelievable. To win here from so far back on the grid…yeah.”

Is the title sealed now?

Verstappen now holds a 62-point lead with three races to go, making it virtually impossible for Lando Norris to beat him.

It would require three race wins, and two retirements at the very least from the Dutchman, who can seal the deal next time out in Las Vegas.

It would be an incredible spectacle for the sport to see a champion crowned in ‘Sin City’, but in all likelihood, it goes to the Qatar Grand Prix.

READ MORE: Karun Chandhok shares ‘infuriating’ Max Verstappen verdict after ‘utterly brilliant’ Sao Paulo Grand Prix win

Norris being off the podium, and Verstappen winning is the only way that it can go on for any longer – which would be another shock in itself.

The main thing that stands out from Verstappen’s performance today is his ability to clutch exactly when it mattered most – the mark of a true champion.