WATCH: Lando Norris fighting hard to overtake Max Verstappen at Interlagos in 2023

As the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix approaches, anticipation is high, with McLaren’s Lando Norris still vying to dethrone Max Verstappen. This year-long rivalry brings to mind their thrilling showdown in the 2023 Sao Paulo GP, where Norris launched a spirited attack against Verstappen, challenging the Red Bull driver’s race dominance.

Despite ultimately finishing second, Norris’s fierce determination and relentless pursuit of the reigning champion highlighted his potential as a genuine contender in the championship race. In that memorable race at Interlagos, Verstappen secured his 17th victory of the season, extending his record-breaking year. He maintained control from the outset, capitalizing on a clean start.

The action-packed race took an unexpected turn even before the green lights when Charles Leclerc’s hydraulics issue led to his retirement after veering off during the formation lap. This left Ferrari’s hopes resting solely on Carlos Sainz, who would finish a modest sixth.

Alex Albon’s crash gave Verstappen a tight challenge!

The tension escalated soon after the race began, as a collision between Alex Albon and Kevin Magnussen prompted a red flag. When racing resumed, Verstappen skillfully defended his lead from Norris, fending off the McLaren driver’s aggressive moves for first place. The Briton’s attempts to seize the lead thrilled fans, marking one of the most intense battles of the season.

Here is the video:

last year’s brazil gp gave us a preview of this year’s championship battle
pic.twitter.com/PkMDDyQ1lF

— Remi (@l4ndocore) October 28, 2024

Norris, while unable to break Verstappen’s grip on victory, demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience to finish second—a significant accomplishment in a race where Verstappen’s dominance was expected to go unchallenged.

Behind them, Fernando Alonso secured third, holding off Sergio Perez in an exhilarating wheel-to-wheel duel. The midfield action saw Lance Stroll secure fifth for Aston Martin, adding crucial points to their campaign, while Alpine’s Pierre Gasly finished seventh and Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton took eighth on a challenging day for the Silver Arrows.

Also WATCH: Fernando Alonso securing photo finish after a wheel-to-wheel duel with Perez

As Norris and Verstappen prepare to clash once again in Brazil, fans eagerly await a potential rematch of last year’s fiery competition. With Norris’s increasing skill and Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of perfection, the 2024 Sao Paulo GP promises to deliver another unforgettable chapter in their rivalry.