Verstappen put on a masterclass at Sao Paulo, reckons Horner

On the back of a sensational victory for Max Verstappen, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner insisted that the reigning champion put on a masterclass to clinch his first Grand Prix victory since June's Barcelona round.

Having shown encouraging pace in Sunday's early qualifying, Max Verstappen only qualified 12th after being unable to finish his Q2 lap due to red flags. As a result of his grid drop penalty, he was demoted to P17 on the grid. The Dutch driver had a brilliant getaway, picking up a handful of places on the first lap alone. From there he displayed enourmous pace, proving particularly strong and comfortable under breaking.

He managed to climb through the field, but he got stuck behind the trio of Yuki Tsunoda, Esteban Ocon and Chalres Leclerc. He stayed out under the VSC while his direct rivals pitted. Although it could have been disastrous for Verstappen, but a red flag followed soon after which meant he was able to get a free change of tyres in the pit lane.

After the race was restarted, the reigning champion found himself in second spot. Just a lap later, he overtook Alpine driver Ocon on track and disappeared up the road for a famous win, and his first Grand prix victory since June.

Red Bull team boss Christian Horner was at a loss for words when he was asked to comment on Verstappen's sensational and unexpected victory after a tough qualifying session.

"Max put on a masterclass today, he was just brilliant. In these conditions the driver skill really comes out and he was in a league of his own. As a Team we got all of the strategy calls right and the car had great pace.

"What a transformation from this morning when we thought that the top five would have been an incredible drive. To come from 17th on the grid, and through nearly the entire field, it was an incredible performance and one of Max’s very best.

Sergio Perez endured a tough qualifying, failing to make it out of Q2. As a result, the Mexican started from P12 on the grid which was effectively an elventh spot after Alexander Albon was unable to start due to heavy damage to his Williams.

"Checo had a stronger weekend as well, and had some unlucky moments during the race. The Team demonstrated today that we are never going to give up, that was evident both at the track and with the whole Team back in Milton Keynes. What a great result for the Team, and we are going to carry this momentum with us for the final triple header of the season."