FEATURE
For his performance, akin to the great Ayrton
Senna at Donington in 1993, Verstappen was given
a massive ovation by fans and team personnel
gathered around the podium. where master of
ceremonies Martin Brundle was so impressed he
requested a handshake before he interviewed the 19
year old.
Indeed the kind of drive that won’t be forgotten,
etched up there among the greats of Formula 1
as media, pundits and Formula 1 figures were
unanimous in praising the performance.
Respected Italian motorsport magazine
Autosprint wrote: “Verstappen has regained
admiration of Formula 1 fans. He did not win the
grand prix because of the risky choices of Red Bull in
terms of strategy. It was a great race by Verstappen,
who was flying over the water and you could tell with
the naked eye he was superior in those conditions.
He knocked over opponents as if they were bowling
pins. He caught and passed Vettel, humiliating him.”
El Confidencial headlined the feat: “Max
Verstappen on day that he reminded us of Ayrton
Senna on track.”
And reported: “How many times have we seen
Niki Lauda doff his famous hat? Jos Verstappen was
being interviewed at the end of the race in Brazil. As
Lauda passed he interrupted the conversation with
the journalist and they greeted one another. Then,
the great Austrian raised his cap and complimented
Verstappen senior for the display his son gave on the
day. There could be no greater sign of respect from
the man who wears the cap to hide the aftermath of
an accident that almost cost him his life.”
After the race Lauda told media: “He did the job,
unbelievable, the way he passed was just incredible.
I know the guy is good but he proved to everybody
what he can do.”