Janice R. Andrews
Max Verstappen’s incredible performance at the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix has earned him the prestigious Moment of the Year award at the Autosport Awards. Presented by the Bahrain International Circuit, this honor was determined by a public vote on Autosport.com, where fans recognized Verstappen’s outstanding drive as the highlight of the season.
Fans Select the Best Racing Moment
Previous recipients of this award include Ferrari’s historic victory at the 2023 Le Mans 24 Hours and George Russell’s first-ever F1 win at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix. For 2024, motorsport enthusiasts had four key moments to vote on:
- Verstappen’s spectacular win at the Brazilian GP.
- Lando Norris’s maiden F1 victory in Miami.
- Ferrari’s consecutive Hypercar triumph at Le Mans.
- Lewis Hamilton’s record-breaking British GP win.
Ultimately, Verstappen’s stunning performance at Interlagos captivated fans the most, securing him the accolade.
A Comeback for the Ages
In a video message, Verstappen expressed his gratitude: “Thank you very much to all the readers for voting for me. That Sunday in Brazil was a rollercoaster of emotions. After qualifying, we were all very upset. But the race was something I’ll always remember. Brazil is an amazing venue, and when the rain comes, things get very intense.”
His victory in Brazil played a crucial role in his fourth F1 world championship win, amid a fierce and sometimes contentious rivalry with McLaren’s Lando Norris. The triumph marked Verstappen’s first victory in 11 races after a mid-season slump, during which Red Bull struggled to keep pace with McLaren’s improvements to their RB20 challenger.
Overcoming a Difficult Weekend
Heading into Brazil, Verstappen faced heavy scrutiny following controversial battles with Norris in the previous two races in Texas and Mexico, where he was penalized. The weekend started with Norris winning the sprint race, further narrowing Verstappen’s championship lead. Qualifying for the main race was postponed due to heavy rain, and when it eventually took place, Verstappen was eliminated in Q2, starting from a disappointing 17th position.
Despite the setback, Verstappen delivered an extraordinary performance, storming through the field with a spectacular opening lap that evoked memories of Ayrton Senna’s legendary charge at Donington in 1993. His fearless overtakes at the Senna S corner helped him steadily gain positions. A mid-race red flag aided his progress, allowing him to close in on early race leaders George Russell and Lando Norris. A decisive move past Alpine’s Esteban Ocon secured the win, while Norris struggled and finished sixth.
A Defining Moment in the Season
This dramatic victory reinforced Verstappen’s confidence and solidified his lead in the championship. His title triumph was officially confirmed at the following Las Vegas Grand Prix, with a final 2024 win coming in Qatar. The Brazil performance not only showcased Verstappen’s dominance but also highlighted the strategic expertise and determination of Red Bull.
His race engineer, GianPiero Lambiase, accepted the award on his behalf and reflected on the effort behind the victory. “This race came at a time when we were working extremely hard to manage every detail,” said Lambiase. “Max hadn’t won since Spain, and saying he was frustrated after the Q2 exit would be an understatement. For him to produce such a drive under those circumstances was remarkable.”
Verstappen’s Legacy Grows
With his fourth F1 title now secured, Verstappen has solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His resilience and ability to deliver outstanding performances under pressure make him a deserving winner of the Autosport Moment of the Year award. Fans and analysts alike will remember his Brazilian GP comeback as one of the most defining moments of the 2024 season.
