Max Verstappen‘s performance at the Brazilian GP was so fantastic that team principal Christian Horner had to compare it with Ayrton Senna. The Dutchman had to line up at 17th position on the grid for an unfortunate red flag in qualifying and a five-place grid penalty. However, Max Verstappen dominated at the wet Interlagos and won his first race since June with a 19-second gap.

The Brazilian GP showcased his skill and resilience on the track. Team principal Christian Horner praised his performance, drawing parallels with Ayrton Senna. Verstappen’s blistering start to the main race allowed him to overtake six cars on the first lap, reminiscent of Senna’s iconic drive at Donington Park in 1993.

Max’s mental strength and attitude to deal with that is, you know, is outstanding, I thought his start today, you know, was electric. And that first lap was, you know, up there with Donington 93’, around the outside of Turn 3. Christian Horner said (via Motorsportweek.

com)Verstappen and the team struggled with pace in recent races, preventing him from competing effectively against rivals. However, the new engine, despite the penalty, was a real game-changer for him. Horner highlighted how the 27-year-old skillfully overtook drivers ahead of him, including Lewis Hamilton and Oscar Piastri.

I think he passed, what, six cars on the first lap. And then he was the only car that was really making progress, being able to pick cars up so late on the brakes into Turn 1. Whether it was with Lewis [Hamilton], with Oscar Piastri, and then obviously at the restart with Esteban [Ocon].

Christian Horner addedRELATEDChristian Horner praises Max Verstappen’s masterclass after everything had gone ‘against’ Red Bull at Brazilian GPMax Verstappen asserts wanting clean races for the rest of the seasonMax Verstappen had expected the weekend in Brazil to be not an ideal one following Red Bull’s struggles recently. The qualifying, which was rescheduled for Sunday due to rain, was disappointing as he was eliminated in Q2 due to red flags. Max Verstappen speaking (via Total Motorsport)However, the three-time world champion clinched a blistering victory.

Later, Verstappen admitted that he’s not chasing more wins in the season. Instead, he’s focused on having cleaner races in the final three rounds of the 2024 campaign. This was now, looking on it, incredibly important.

because in a way i was expecting to lose points today. so from now on, i just want clean races to the end! I’m not thinking about clinching the champion in vegas, or whatever I just want clean races!

Max Verstappen saidRELATEDMax Verstappen’s Girlfriend Kelly Piquet shares romantic kiss with F1 champion to celebrate incredible Brazilian GP winThe win in Brazil gives Verstappen a 62-point lead over Lando Norris. His car also no longer seems to be underpowered. The season will continue in Las Vegas after a 20-day break.