Verstappen wins Brazil GP, sets single-season podiums record
Max Verstappen won Sunday's Brazil Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, cruising to another victory to set a new record for most podiums in a single season.
The Dutch driver also broke the record for win percentage in a campaign, eclipsing Alberto Ascari's 70-year-old milestone. Even if Verstappen loses the remaining two races, he won't fall below Ascari's 75% mark set in 1952.
McLaren's Lando Norris finished second, while two-time champ Fernando Alonso crossed the line third to round out the podium. Alonso narrowly beat Sergio Perez by five one-hundredths of a second in an exciting battle between the two drivers.
WHAT A RACE FOR 3RD!
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) November 5, 2023
Verstappen best Norris in Brazil, but it's a photo finish for the final podium spot between Alonso and Perez with the Spaniard just edging out the Red Bull driver.#F1 #BrazilGP pic.twitter.com/djsyLA0iha
Alonso was ecstatic to earn his eighth podium of the season, as he hadn't recorded a top-three finish since the Dutch Grand Prix in August.
That drive was pure gold 🤩#BrazilGP @alo_oficial pic.twitter.com/isGbngcewQ
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 5, 2023
Sunday's race also featured several retirements, with six drivers unable to finish for various reasons.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc retired before the race began after losing hydraulics during the formation lap.
A heavy collision between Kevin Magnussen and Alex Albon during the first lap resulted in red flags being thrown and the drivers exiting the race.
Crash POV💥: Alex Albon and Kevin Magnussen pic.twitter.com/rPPvaR66TT
— Matthew Kanniah (@matthewkanniah) November 5, 2023
George Russell retired due to an oil temperature issue. Both Alfa Romeo drivers, Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu, exited due to technical problems.