Max Verstappen’s comeback in the Brazilian Grand Prix last weekend is considered one of the greatest-ever comebacks in the history of Formula 1 under rainy conditions. The reigning champion started P17 after serving an engine penalty but put on a masterclass to convert it into a win and extend his championship lead.
The circuit was soaked in rain and it was like driving a boat. But Max Verstappen gave all his grit and won the race. Same as many drivers over the past who gave massive comebacks under wet conditions and won the race. Let's take a look at the best.
The Masters of Rain
Jackie Stewart, 1968 German Grand Prix
No F1 cars allowed out on the emaciated 5.1 km Nürburgring today, due to a little fog? 🙄
— Stuart Dent (@Stuart_Dent) October 9, 2020
In 1968, on the full-fat 23.8 km Nordschleife, the GP ran in thick fog & rain for F1 cars devoid of any driver aids or proper aero.
Jackie Stewart won. With a broken wrist... 🏆
🇩🇪 #F1 🤷🏼♂️ pic.twitter.com/bLLSyWBXhU
The world's most dangerous race track Nurburgring is known for many accidents and deaths over the years. Formula 1 legend Niki Lauda’s near-fatal accident happened here on the same deadly race track. Driving in rainy conditions here is the most dangerous thing ever to do in life. But Formula One legend Jackie Stewart did one of the greatest things on the rain-hit track during the 1968 German Grand Prix.
The race was held in extreme fog and wet conditions and Jackie won the race with a broken wrist and winning by a margin of four minutes. The season also had an earlier tragedy as Jim Clark and Mike Spence. But the bravery Stewart gave him one of the greatest-ever victories in Formula 1.
Ayrton Senna, 1985 Portuguese Grand prix
Ayrton Senna secured his first ever F1 win at the Portuguese GP, Estoril on this day in 1985, leading the wet race from pole. pic.twitter.com/mfpFJlPJ8y
— Ayrton Senna 🇧🇷 Tribute (@F1_AyrtonSenna) April 21, 2020
'The rain brings all cars into equal competition' is what Senna says about driving in the rain. Senna known for his rain mastery pulled off a win at the 1985 Portuguese Grand Prix after driving only his fifth Grand Prix race. He won the race by leading Michele Alboreto over a minute time.
Michael Schumacher, 1996 Spanish Grand Prix
Michael Schumacher’s first win with Ferrari ❤️
— F1 History (@TodayF1History) January 21, 2024
Spanish GP - 1996#F1 #KeepFightingMichael pic.twitter.com/SeryHmaWjM
The Brazilian Grand Prix in 2024 is a resemblance to what Michael Schumacher did in 1996 during the Spanish Grand prix. Having joined the Ferrari team after winning the world championship for Benetton in 1994 and 1995, Schumacher’s car was no match for the Williams. But even then he did some magic around the Circuit de Barcelona and won the race. It also earned him the name ‘Rain Master’.
Also Watch: Former F1 World Champion forgot how to drive and struggle to fit in his Car after 32 Years
Sebastian Vettel, 2008 Italian Grand Prix
Remembering 21-year-old Sebastian Vettel's memorable first win, back in 2008! 🙌#ItalianGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/6hwseefhAh
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 3, 2020
The young rookie from Germany was driving for the mid-field team Torro Rosso team. The 4-time world champion gave one of the best-ever races in Monza under rainy conditions by outpacing McLaren and Ferrari. The race win in Italy made him the youngest-ever race winner which was later broken by Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen, 2016 Grand Prix
Throwback to one of my favourite Verstappen drives, at the ripe old age of 18 we have the 2016 Brazilian GP
— Clapped 🚀 (@F1Clapped) July 4, 2023
Watch as he charges through the field in poor conditions, no rocket ship, and having already fathered Rosberg, this was a display of pure talent, and racecraft pic.twitter.com/2GAS9t9MOb
The three-time world champion had already pulled off a stunner during his younger days at the 2016 Brazilian Grand prix. The 19-year-old verstappen from P14 passed 11 drivers including Sebastian Vettel and finished third under the worst conditions caused due to the rain.