Sao Paulo (AFP) – Lando Norris won the race and newly-crowned world champion Kimi Antonelli's Mercedes clinched the teams' title, but it was Max Verstappen who delivered the loudest message for 2027 and beyond.

Issued on: 09/11/2026 - 17:11

In his in-laws' homeland, Red Bull's 29-year-old Dutchman delivered a now-familiar bravura drive from 21st on the grid to second behind McLaren's 26-year-old Briton and ahead of his team-mate Isack Hadjar.

After a tempestuous Interlagos race, AFP Sport looks at three things we learned from Sunday's dramatic Sao Paulo Grand Prix:

Relaxed Verstappen eyes fifth title

With his eighth consecutive podium and 10th in 11 outings, the four-time champion confirmed he is not only a man for all seasons, and circuits, but also that he and Red Bull will be the team to beat next year.

Confident in his car and team after a year of upheaval following the departure of Christian Horner, Verstappen is back to his best, if not in even better shape thanks to a settled family life and relaxed approach to his work.

During Saturday's 90-minute stoppage for rain in qualifying, he retreated to rescue some fun from what he called "a wasted day" as he knew that wherever he qualified he would start Sunday's race from the back of the grid.

So, while others studied computer screens and analysed data, he watched English football on televison.

"A lot of different games," he said.

"But Nottingham Forest and Manchester City was the last one before I got back into the car. It was 3-1 and, actually, I saw a great goal just before I climbed in."

It demonstrated how easily Verstappen glides from racer to normal bloke.

On Sunday, he gave his helmet to Ole Schack, the departing front-end mechanic for his car and a Red Bull lifer after 20 years. He had been busy as Verstappen had a new power unit fitted and took a penalty.

Speaking of Schack, who is returning to Denmark for a quieter life, Verstappen was succinct. "He's unbelievable."

In return, the mechanic said: "Max is an incredibly relaxed guy when he's not in the car. He enjoys a laugh and he's great to be around.

"He's like Ronaldo or Messi. But in an F1 car, he has that little bit extra that you simply cannot teach."

No longer the 'Mad Max' of his early Red Bull years, this matured version is a master of his craft and ready for more success with a team-mate who offers serious support.

Norris signals McLaren can challenge

Norris was his usual self-effacing self after his 14th career win, signalling that McLaren's revised car was capable of fighting at the front again after an inconsistent season.

It was only his third win this year -- all since July -- after seven on the way to the drivers' title last year.

"It's certainly up there with the best I've had," he said before playing down the outgoing champion team's chances next year.

"The stats show we are generally a tenth or two off the top and the upgrades work. But it's still not enough."

If Oscar Piastri, who parted company with his manager Mark Webber on Monday, returns to his 2025 form, McLaren could go close to Mercedes and revitalised Red Bull next year, but Ferrari need a late-season boost to stay in touch.

Lawson shows character

Liam Lawson continued to punch above his and Racing Bulls' weight by finishing seventh after Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was penalised five seconds for colliding with him –- to boost his hopes of retaining his seat.

Left in limbo by the Red Bull-owned team, Lawson has shown his likeable character with a run of five points-scoring finishes and sits ninth in the drivers' standings.

Yet Racing Bulls decline to give him a new contract.

Sometimes, the cheerful 24-year-old New Zealander recognised, F1 works in curious –- commercial or political -- ways.

"I'm just trying to enjoy driving the car because with everything else that is going on, I don't really know what else I'm meant to do."

© 2026 AFP

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