It’s race week in Las Vegas, but it is nice to look back at Brazil, a race that gave us back the Max Verstappen of the old days.

It has taken Max Verstappen 133 days to return to winning ways. He did so by delivering a truly astonishing performance in Sao Paulo, given that he started from the seventeenth slot on the grid, even if two drivers who should have been ahead of him were absent – Alex Albon, his car too badly damaged to take part and Lance Stroll, stranded in a gravel trap on the formation lap. Since the start of the Formula 1 World Championship, only three times has a winner started from further down the order – Rubens Barrichello from 18th place at Hockenheim in 2000, Bill Vukovich from 19th in Indianapolis in 1954 and John Watson from all the way down in 22nd at Long Beach in 1983.

“This is the final push for everyone. We are just taking each race as it comes. Brazil was an incredible race for us and a really special moment for myself and the Team. It was great to see us back to the form we were before; the Team did an amazing job and we are hoping to continue this into the next few races”, states Max as he looks ahead of this weekend.

“Of course, Vegas is the start of the final triple header of the year so this is the final push for everyone. We performed well here last year and it is a really fast circuit, with long straights and a lot of opportunities to overtake and go racing. Once again, the temperatures look quite low so it will be about managing the tyres. We are taking each race as it comes and are looking forward to the final races of the season.”

Photo: Oracle Red Bull Racing