Martin Brundle responds to Norris’ ‘lucky claim’ with Verstappen ‘in a class of one’

Martin Brundle believes Lando Norris will change his view of Max Verstappen having a bit of “luck” at the Brazilian Grand Prix as the Red Bull driver was “in a class of one” on Sunday.

Verstappen rose from 17th on the grid to take an unlikely victory in wet conditions at Interlagos, with Norris dropping to sixth after starting from pole position – and the timing of a red flag stop led to Norris’ claim that Verstappen had luck on his side.

Martin Brundle: Max Verstappen ‘in a class of one’ during Brazilian GP victory

Norris had already made a pit stop for new intermediate tires as more rain fell on Sunday, with Verstappen opting to stay outside along with both Alpine drivers.

When Williams driver Franco Colapinto crashed under Safety Car conditions, the red flags were waved and Verstappen was able to change tires while maintaining second place on track, which converted into the lead when he overtook Esteban Ocon at Turn 1.

He broke away onto the road with a succession of fastest laps to eventually win by 19 seconds, in a performance Brundle described on Sunday as a ‘classic ride’.

Although Norris had initially said it was “not talent, just luck” that helped Verstappen on Sunday, he has since congratulated the World Cup leader on Instagram, saying: “Nice drive mate” under a post celebrating his victory.

When asked Sky Sports News If Norris will reconsider his ‘lucky’ assessment when re-watching the race, Brundle replied: “Yes, I think so, because Max was in a class of one; those circumstances suit his talent level.

The main reaction from a memorable race at Interlagos

👉 Conclusions from the Brazilian GP: why Max Verstappen is the master manipulator

👉 Brazilian GP driver ratings: Max Verstappen masterclass and lackluster Lando Norris

“McLaren wasn’t the fastest car in the wet, which is a bit surprising because they looked so good in qualifying in wet conditions.

“Max was unlucky with the red flag in qualifying, but he stayed on track during the race expecting a Safety Car or a red flag situation, so he knew what to do, and then he just steamed away and won with 19 seconds ahead. a gallop, actually.

“It was a classic drive and I think Formula 1 did a very good job to start and finish the race.”

With Verstappen now having built a 62-point lead heading into the final three rounds, the Red Bull driver is now the heavy favorite to take a fourth consecutive title.

“I think he just has to get the most out of himself, McLaren and his car and see where he ends up, to be honest,” said Brundle.

“I think if he focuses on one team or another driver, that’s a lot of wasted energy. He has to prepare for a championship challenge next year, which we know will be an all-time classic, a season for the ages, because the cars have reached their peak of development and they have reached a bit of the ceiling. little bit and we know how close everything will be next year.

“So that’s his focus: just go as fast as he can, as long as he can and see what happens. Everything else will just be a distraction.”

Read the following: What Damon Hill said about Max Verstappen after the critics’ victory in the Brazilian GP