Jolyon Palmer snubs Max Verstappen for 445-point star as his Sao Paulo Grand Prix driver of the day

Max Verstappen was in damage limitation mode when he started the race in 17th place after being caught off guard by a red flag during qualifying and having to serve a five-place grid penalty.

With a little assistance from Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris had won the Sprint Race the previous day, reducing the Drivers’ Championship lead to 44 points.

But by dominating the race in dangerous rainy circumstances and destroying the rest of the field, Verstappen validated comparisons to Ayrton Senna.

After Norris failed to turn another pole position start into victory, albeit with a poorly timed red flag working against him, he now knows that a victory at the next race in Las Vegas will ensure a fourth consecutive title.

Speaking on the Chequered Flag Podcast, former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer was discussing the race with journalist Andrew Benson and commentator Harry Benjamin.

Palmer gave his driver of the day award to Esteban Ocon, an Alpine star, even though they all acknowledged that Verstappen was outstanding.