VERSTAPPEN WINS CHAOTIC BRAZILIAN GRAND PRIX

Max Verstappen wins chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix – Photo: LAT

Max Verstappen has made up for last years disappointment at Interlagos by winning this year’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Red Bull driver kept out of trouble during the chaotic final laps of the race to notch up his third win of the year while his rivals tripped over each other.

Toro Rosso’s Pierre Gasly benefitted the most from the chaos on the run to the chequered flag to claim second place. His first podium result in Formula 1.

Pierre Gasly leading Lewis Hamilton – Photo: LAT

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton crossed the line in third but was demoted to seventh place after a penalty for contact with the Red Bull of Alexander Albon during the battle for second place on the second last lap.

The post-race penalty promoted McLaren’s Carlos Sainz to the final podium place, after starting from 20th on the grid.

Hamilton has been in the lead after pit stop strategy moved him ahead of pole-sitter Verstappen, but a quick succession of safety car appearances bunched up the field.

It was Hamilton’s teammate Valtteri Bottas who triggered the first safety car on lap 53. The engine in his Mercedes appeared to expire while battling for fifth place.

Red Bull took advantage to put both Verstappen and Albon back onto soft tyres for the run to the end.

The Ferrari’s took each other out while battling for the podium – Photo: Suttons

Shortly after the restart the two Ferrari’s, who were battling for the final spot on the podium at the time, collided taking each other out of the race. Also, triggering a second appearance of the safety car to allow officials to clean up the debris.

Mercedes opted to pit Hamilton from the lead, also switching to the soft tyres for the final two laps.

This promoted Verstappen, Albon and Gasly into the podium positions with Hamilton to charge back from fourth in a two-lap dash to the flag.

Hamilton got past Gasly shortly after the restart and was pushing to get past Albon until the contact allowing the Toro Rosso driver back up to second place.

Australian Daniel Ricciardo crossed the line in seventh place for Renault, but was promoted to sixth with the penalty to Hamilton.

Formula 1 now heads to Abu Dhabi for the final round of the year in two weeks time.

For more of the latest F1 news pick up the current issue of Auto Action. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.