Max Verstappen leads from start to finish in the Brazilian Grand Prix

Verstappen wins in Brazil.

Pérez distances himself from Hamilton.

Continuity of F1 at Interlagos.

Three-time world champion Max Verstappen led from the beginning to end, clinching victory at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Sunday.

Sergio Perez from Mexico secured fourth place, widening the gap over Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton for the second spot in the championship—marking one of the season’s remaining fierce contests.

Perez narrowly missed a podium finish, with Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso edging him out by just 0.053 seconds.

In a thrilling showdown over the final three laps, the Red Bull driver managed to overtake Alonso once, but couldn’t hold onto the spot.

Max Verstappen Wins and the intense fight of Sergio Pérez in Brazil

Winner Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, center (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Lando Norris McLaren He was second at Interlagos.

“For me it was like 30 laps,” Alonso said about his fight with Pérez.

Pérez will leave Brazil with a 32-point advantage over Hamilton with two races remaining — Las Vegas on November 19 and Abu Dhabi a week later.

The Mexican started the Grand Prix in ninth place, while fan favorite Hamilton started fifth after a frustrating qualifying for the Red Bull driver on Friday.

Strategy and setbacks: keys to Max Verstappen’s victory

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

On Saturday he improved in the sprint race and that helped him have more confidence on Sunday.

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was set to start second, crashed on the formation lap due to an engine problem.

A red flag on the second lap following a crash involving Haas’ Kevin Magnussen and Williams’ Alex Albon gave the Red Bull drivers more time to improve.

Max Verstappen achieved his 17th victory, leading from start to finish.

Pérez challenges Hamilton

AP Photo/Marcelo Chello

While Pérez looked aggressive to overcome Hamilton. The Red Bull driver overtook Hamilton on lap 18 to the disappointment of the Brazilian fans.

Formula One will continue in Sao Paulo at least until 2030, organizers reported on Friday.

Formula 1 announced on Friday the extension of the contract to race in the Brazilian metropolis, which expired in 2025.

The track has hosted several title-deciding races over the years in competitive seasons.

F1 extends contract in Brazil

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Stefano Domenicali, the chief executive of Formula 1, said in a statement that Interlagos “is a favorite of drivers and fans around the world.”

“It represents everything that is great about racing and we look forward to seeing how it develops in the coming years to create an even better experience,” he said.

The Brazilian Grand Prix has been part of the calendar for the last 50 years, except in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic.

In some years, the race was held at the former Jacarepaguá circuit in Rio de Janeiro, which is now the city’s Olympic Park.