The latest F1 news centers around Max Verstappen’s dramatic win in the Brazilian Grand Prix, with his father, Jos Verstappen, attributing Max’s success to his response to the British press. Jos claimed that British journalists’ criticism motivated Max to triumph at Interlagos, where he made a remarkable climb from 17th on the grid to secure the win. This victory not only reaffirmed Max’s dominance but also put a significant dent in Lando Norris’s title hopes. Jos noted that this win allowed Max to “show who is the best,” signaling how media criticism fuels his son’s drive for excellence.
Christian Horner, Red Bull’s team boss, joined in the post-race banter by poking fun at former F1 driver Damon Hill, who had recently compared Verstappen to the cartoon villain Dick Dastardly. Hill’s remarks stemmed from Verstappen’s aggressive driving and penalties in the previous Mexican Grand Prix. Following Verstappen’s success in Brazil, Horner playfully teased Hill, underscoring Red Bull’s willingness to stand behind Verstappen and counter media narratives that criticize his approach.
At the same time, F1 pundit Martin Brundle expressed doubts about Lando Norris’s competitiveness against Verstappen, attributing it to a lack of “killer instinct.” Brundle suggested that Norris’s relative inexperience in championship fights hinders his ability to rival Verstappen’s aggressive style effectively. This, he argued, was evident in Brazil when Norris fell from pole position to sixth by the race’s end, leaving him 62 points behind Verstappen with three races left. Brundle’s comments highlight the challenges Norris faces in contending with an established champion like Verstappen.
In another storyline, Lewis Hamilton voiced his dissatisfaction with the Mercedes W15 during an untelevised radio message after the Brazilian GP. Hamilton, who finished a distant 10th and had difficulty in qualifying rounds, described the W15 as “the worst the car’s ever been.” This struggle further underscores the challenges Mercedes has faced this season, as Hamilton looks to complete his time with the team before joining Ferrari in 2025. Mercedes’ challenges contrast sharply with Red Bull’s recent momentum, illustrating a shift in team dynamics.
Finally, Pirelli responded to Red Bull’s suspicions regarding alleged cooling techniques involving water injection in tyres, purportedly used by McLaren and others. Pirelli’s investigation during the Brazilian GP found no evidence of this technique, putting Red Bull’s suspicions to rest. The allegations, which surfaced during the Singapore Grand Prix, have caused friction, but Pirelli’s findings aim to quell tensions and clarify the fairness of tyre use. This marks yet another example of the intense technical scrutiny and rivalry within F1 as teams strive for any competitive edge.