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F1 fans were appreciative of the Red Bull driver Max Verstappen after he defended his championship rival Lando Norris's post-race comments at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix. The race at the iconic Interlagos track proved to be a pivotal one in the drivers' championship, as the Dutch driver won from P17, while the McLaren man could only manage a P6 despite starting the race from the pole position.
Verstappen apart from making some decisive and exceptional overtakes in the wet conditions, got a huge dose of luck with the mid-race red flag that allowed him to have a free pit stop and climb up to the front of the field.
Lando Norris, who was undeniably miffed and frustrated with the outcome of the race, insinuated that Max Verstappen's race win was "all luck and no talent." While appearing on ViaPlay for his end-of-season interview titled "Max Verstappen: Simply Lovely," the 27-year-old reflected on Norris's comments and said:
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“They immediately interviewed him after a race where he got a mental blow. I know Lando, at that moment he’s very disappointed with himself .. and he doesn’t mean it at that moment.”
F1 fans took to social media to give their reactions to the Red Bull driver's comments on X, with one fan claiming:
"Max defending Lando on and off the track."
"Best friends on the track. I don’t know about personal life."
"There’s always a certain grace and level of maturity with champs."
"Max defends Norris' comment," said a fan.
"Max showing understanding--recognizing Lando's frustration and defending him. A class act from the champ." wrote another.
"Man I just love this guy," claimed another.
Max Verstappen gives his take on his Brazilian GP win
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen stated that he believed that the championship was secured after his Brazilian GP win, as he was confident that he and the team wouldn't let the lead slip away with three races remaining.
Speaking with ViaPlay, the Dutchman said:
“Yes, that’s where it was decided. That win was one we really needed. After that, I knew we wouldn’t let the title slip away.”
Verstappen further mentioned that he channeled his frustration from the qualifying session at Interlagos into a positive mindset, adding:
“I was obviously very angry after qualifying. Over the years, I’ve learned how to channel that into something positive. Otherwise, you risk driving frustrated and making mistakes. You need to reflect and analyze properly. And generally, I always feel good in the rain.”
Max Verstappen eventually won his fourth consecutive drivers championship the following weekend in Las Vegas, where he finished ahead of Lando Norris on the track. He ultimately finished 63 points ahead of the McLaren driver at the end of the season in Abu Dhabi earlier in the month.
