Verstappen's Epic Save at Piastri Crash Site Caught on Onboard Footage
Max Verstappen averted a major crash at the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint, making an incredible save at Turn 3 where Oscar Piastri and two other drivers spun out. Onboard footage revealed Verstappen's swift recovery from a similar slide, highlighting treacherous conditions and his exceptional car control. This incident, alongside Piastri's subsequent penalties, has tightened the championship race.
Max Verstappen narrowly avoided a Turn 3 barrier collision during the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint race, a save captured by his onboard camera. This incident occurred at the same spot where Oscar Piastri, Nico Hulkenberg, and Franco Colapinto all crashed, leading to a red flag.
Why it matters:
Max Verstappen's remarkable car control highlighted the treacherous conditions at Turn 3, a corner that caught out multiple drivers during the Sprint race. His ability to recover from a near-identical slide to Piastri's, and continue the race, underscored the fine margins between a potential DNF and a strong finish in challenging circumstances. This incident not only demonstrated Verstappen's skill but also impacted the championship standings, as Piastri's crash and subsequent penalty in the main race allowed Verstappen to gain ground.
The details:
- During the Brazilian Grand Prix Sprint, Oscar Piastri lost control of his McLaren at Turn 3 after touching a wet kerb, spinning into the barrier. Nico Hulkenberg and Franco Colapinto suffered similar fates shortly after, prompting a red flag.
- Verstappen's Near-Miss: Onboard footage from Verstappen's RB21 revealed he also touched the same wet kerb, causing his car to go sideways in a manner similar to Piastri's.
- Quick Hands: Verstappen showcased exceptional car control, making rapid steering corrections to catch the slide and prevent a crash.
- Piastri's Explanation: Piastri attributed his crash to the wet kerb, noting that the track conditions likely changed from the previous lap and that other drivers might have deposited more water on the kerb.
- He acknowledged taking a line similar to cars ahead but regretted the severe consequences.
- Championship Implications: Piastri's difficulties continued in the main Grand Prix, where he received a 10-second penalty for contact with Kimi Antonelli, finishing fifth. This allowed Verstappen to close the gap in the Drivers' standings.
The big picture:
Lando Norris secured both the Sprint and main race victories in Brazil, extending his lead in the Drivers' standings to 390 points. Piastri, with 366 points, is now 25 points ahead of Verstappen, who holds 341 points. Verstappen's 'epic save' and subsequent strong finish, coupled with Piastri's struggles, played a crucial role in tightening the championship battle heading into the final races of the season. The incident also highlighted the critical role of driver skill and adapting to changing track conditions under pressure, especially in high-stakes Sprint events.
What's next:
The championship battle continues to intensify as the season progresses. Teams will likely analyze the Turn 3 incidents closely to understand track dynamics and advise drivers on optimal lines, especially in varying weather conditions. For Verstappen, this moment of brilliance could be a psychological boost, reinforcing his reputation for exceptional car control, while Piastri will be looking to rebound and minimize errors in the remaining races to defend his championship position against a charging Verstappen.