Lewis Hamilton has congratulated Max Verstappen after winning the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix in epic style from 17th on the grid, Afrosport reports.
Verstappen put in a fantastic drive at Interlagos to take the victory ahead Alpine’s Esteban Ocon by over 19 seconds.
It was a remarkable recovery from the Dutch driver, who started from 17th after he was knocked out of the second phase of qualifying in 12th and had a five-place grid penalty applied for a change in engine components.
The Sao Paulo Grand Prix result means Verstappen can secure his fourth straight world championship in Las Vegas next time out if he finishes ahead of Lando Norris.
Verstappen’s impressive drive had Hamilton congratulating him, with the seven-time world champion responding to the Red Bull man’s celebratory Instagram post.
“Amazing drive, congrats,” read the comment.
Two-time world champion Fernando Alonso also congratulated Verstappen commenting: “Fantastic drive. Congrats”
Hamilton endured a difficult race at Interlagos where he finished in 10th, describing the handling of his W15 like a “plank of wood”.
“We were just slow. The car was really, really tough,” he said. It’s like a plank of wood. There’s no suspension. It’s just bouncing on the tyres, everywhere. Can’t get on the power anywhere.
“The worst ride definitely that we’ve ever had, particularly through corners. Just so stiff. Hopefully we won’t have any more bumpy tracks
Hamilton has three more races with Mercedes before he makes the big switch to Ferrari for the 2025 season alongside Charles Leclerc.
