The Dutchman’s phenomenal performance from 17th on the grid has ignited debate over the greatest wet-weather drives in Formula 1 history.
Max Verstappen etched his name into the annals of Formula 1 history with a remarkable victory at the 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix, showcasing his extraordinary skill in torrential conditions. Starting from 17th on the grid, the Dutch driver delivered what he deemed “definitely the best” of his 62 career wins, but it begs the question: where does this drive rank among the sport’s legendary wet-weather performances?
Verstappen’s triumph was a masterclass in adaptability and pace, reminiscent of some of the greatest wet-weather drives seen in the sport’s storied past. Here, we take a look at seven iconic performances that have captivated fans and set benchmarks in the realm of wet-weather racing.
Embed from Getty ImagesJim Clark, 1963 Belgian Grand Prix
The legendary Jim Clark started eighth on the original Spa-Francorchamps circuit, navigating treacherous conditions that would challenge even the most skilled drivers. He swiftly moved to the front and, by the end of the race, only Jack Brabham could manage to finish on the same lap, lagging nearly five minutes behind. Clark’s fear of the dangerous Spa circuit was well-known, yet he triumphed there four times in succession from 1962 to 1965.
Jackie Stewart, 1968 German Grand Prix
In one of the most daunting challenges in Formula 1, Jackie Stewart raced in obscuring fog and relentless rain at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Visibility was severely compromised, with drivers only able to see a mere 100 yards ahead. Yet, Stewart’s prowess shone through as he won by over four minutes, a victory that led him to question the safety of the event. His fearlessness in such perilous conditions solidified his status as one of the sport’s greats.
Ayrton Senna, 1993 European Grand Prix
Ayrton Senna’s legendary talent was on full display during the 1993 European Grand Prix at Donington Park. From fourth on the grid, he seized control right from the first corner, passing several cars in spectacular fashion. Senna famously completed the first lap in the lead after overtaking Michael Schumacher and Alain Prost, dominating the race and finishing a staggering 83 seconds ahead of his nearest rival, Damon Hill. This performance is often celebrated as the ‘Lap of the Gods.’
Michael Schumacher, 1996 Spanish Grand Prix
Michael Schumacher faced a daunting challenge with a Ferrari that was deemed less competitive. Despite a poor start that saw him drop back to third on the grid, Schumacher’s brilliance shone through as he took the lead by lap 13. Lapping significantly faster than his competitors, he was one of only six drivers to finish the race, demonstrating his exceptional talent in challenging conditions.
Lewis Hamilton, 2008 British Grand Prix
In a race marked by heavy downpours at Silverstone, Lewis Hamilton exhibited an exceptional command over his McLaren. Starting from fourth, he navigated the conditions flawlessly while others struggled, including his teammate who finished last after multiple spins. Hamilton’s pace was astonishing, sometimes clocking four or five seconds faster than his rivals, a testament to his skill on a day when the others faltered.
Jenson Button, 2011 Canadian Grand Prix
Jenson Button’s unforgettable victory in Canada came amidst a chaotic race filled with rain, red flags, and safety cars. Starting at the back, he worked his way through the field after cleverly timing his tyre changes. Button’s relentless pursuit culminated in an intense final lap, where a mistake from Sebastian Vettel allowed Button to claim victory in a race that lasted nearly four hours.
Max Verstappen, 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix
Max Verstappen’s performance at the recent São Paulo Grand Prix was nothing short of spectacular. Despite starting 17th, he quickly climbed the ranks, showcasing unmatched pace and strategy. With a series of impressive overtakes, he seized the lead after the red flag and never looked back, finishing with a fastest lap that highlighted his dominance. His victory not only solidified his place in the championship but also reignited discussions about the greatest wet-weather drives in F1 history.
As fans reflect on Verstappen’s astounding achievement, comparisons to previous greats abound. Each driver listed here has demonstrated extraordinary talent and poise under the most challenging conditions, proving that in the world of Formula 1, mastery of the elements is a hallmark of true greatness.
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