Sao Paulo (AFP) – Lando Norris won the Brazilian Grand Prix and the Mercedes of the new world champion, Kimi Antonelli, took the constructors' title, but it was Max Verstappen who on Sunday sent the most forceful message for the future of Formula 1.

First modification: 11/09/2026 - 17:40

The Dutchman from Red Bull had a brilliant race, as usual for him, starting from 21st position on the grid and finishing second, behind Norris (McLaren) and ahead of his teammate, Isack Hadjar.

After a stormy race at the Interlagos circuit, AFP reviews three things that left the São Paulo Grand Prix, the twentieth round of 23:

1. Verstappen eyes fifth title

With his eighth consecutive podium, the four-time world champion confirmed not only that he is a driver for all circumstances and all circuits, but also that he and Red Bull will be the team to beat next year.

Verstappen returned to his best level - perhaps even a higher one - after a year of turmoil following the departure of director Christian Horner.

The 29-year-old Dutchman trusts his car and his team, and now has a stable family life and a relaxed approach to his work.

He didn't even flinch when he was penalized with starting from the back of the grid. While others studied computer screens and analyzed data, he watched English football on television.

This demonstrated the ease with which Verstappen goes from being a driver to a normal man and vice versa.

"Max is an incredibly calm guy when he's not in the car. He likes to laugh and is a pleasure to be around. He's like Ronaldo or Messi, but in an F1 car, he has that little extra that you just can't teach," said Red Bull mechanic Ole Schack.

It is no longer the Mad Max of its early years. This more mature version is a master of his craft and is ready for more success alongside a supportive teammate.

2. Norris shows that McLaren can fight

Norris was as modest as ever after the 14th victory of his career, indicating that McLaren's revised car is capable of fighting for the top positions again after an inconsistent season.

It was only his third victory this year – all of them since July – after the seven that led him to win the drivers' title last year.

"Without a doubt, it is on par with the best I have achieved," he stated before downplaying the chances of the team, which was unable to defend the constructors' crown, for 2027.

"The statistics show that, in general, we are one or two tenths behind the first and that the improvements work, but it is still not enough," he added.

If Oscar Piastri, who parted ways with his manager Mark Webber on Monday, regains his form from last year, McLaren could close in on Mercedes and a revitalized Red Bull in 2027.

Ferrari, however, needs a push at the end of the season to stay in the fight.

3. Lawson shows character

Liam Lawson continued to outperform himself and the Racing Bulls by finishing seventh after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was given a five-second penalty for colliding with him.

His performance reinforces his hopes of retaining his seat in the Big Top.

Left in limbo by the Red Bull-owned team, Lawson has demonstrated his affable nature with a streak of five points finishes and is ninth in the drivers' standings.

However, Racing Bulls refuse to offer him a new contract. Sometimes, this cheerful New Zealander acknowledged, F1 works in curious ways, whether commercial or political.

"I'm just trying to enjoy driving the car because with everything else going on, I don't really know what else I'm supposed to do," the 24-year-old said.

© 2026 AFP

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