Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen produced one of the greatest drives of his career at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix to all but wrap up a fourth Formula 1 title.

Few F1 fans would have been in any doubt that Max Verstappen would have been challenging for points or even a podium after starting 17th on the grid at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

The rainy conditions suited one of Verstappen’s many strengths and by the end of the first lap, he was already running in the top 10.

McLaren’s Oscar Piastri provided no defence when Verstappen came up behind him, powerless to help teammate Lando Norris’s unlikely title bid.

Liam Lawson showed his Red Bull number two credentials by letting Verstappen ease past moments later.

However, a red flag changed the complexion of the race and Verstappen’s target no longer became a top-three finish, but a victory that would put the Drivers’ Championship almost beyond doubt.

The Dutchman dove down the inside of the excellent Esteban Ocon on the final safety car restart of the day, and Verstappen proved his superior skills in the wet by setting fastest lap after fastest lap on his way to victory.