A Red Bull Formula 1 team has been dealt a disappointing demotion following the dramatic events of the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend, despite seemingly positive performances from their drivers.
The FIA have released confirmation of the 2024 F1 standings following the eventful race in Sao Paulo which saw Max Verstappen finally secure another victory after a drought that lasted for 11 grands prix.
Delivering a performance that is now in contention for one of the best of his career, Verstappen displayed a rare burst of emotion during his podium celebrations in what was a vital win for Christian Horner's outfit after a run of below par results.
Closest title challenger Lando Norris now sits behind the Dutchman with a much healthier gap of 62 points, meaning the papaya double title dream could be all but over. Charles Leclerc is still behind the pair in third, the Ferrari looking unlikely to compete for the title now after the Scuderia appeared to lack pace at Interlagos throughout the weekend.
Max Verstappen boosted his championship chances with a stunning win in Brazil
Verstappen surprised everyone with his dramatic race win on Sunday, including his own team, with Horner revealing ahead of the race that even he didn't expect a podium from his star driver.
Horner and Helmut Marko were perhaps instead placing their hopes of Brazilian success on the junior team, Visa Cash App RB, with both drivers starting in the top fiveahead of the main event.
RB star Liam Lawson has been touted as a potential replacement for Sergio Perez
Following Liam Lawson's promotion to the RB lineup, Marko confirmed both the Kiwi star and his team-mate Yuki Tsunoda were both auditioning to replace Perez at the main team from as early as 2025, the Brazilian GP an ideal opportunity to prove their worth.
Tsunoda started unusually high in P3, defending the position until the VSC was deployed on lap 27 after Nico Hulkenberg's spin. Lawson's P5 start didn't last long, the pair in P7 and P9 respectively when the chequered flag was finally waved.
Despite their best efforts, neither delivered the results necessary to defend the team's place in the constructors' standings and unlike the main team, were demoted thanks to Alpine's shock double podium, RB now P8 with just 44 points.
Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda's RB team have been demoted to P8 in the constructors' standings
What does Verstappen have to do to win the 2024 title in Las Vegas?
The three-time champion brought home his first victory for Red Bull since the Spanish GP back in June, and with it has bolstered his chances at claiming his fourth title as early as next time out in Las Vegas.
There are three Grands Prix remaining this season; Las Vegas on November 23, Qatar on December 1 and the season finale in Abu Dhabi on December 8.
With Qatar also hosting the final sprint of the year, there are now a maximum of 86 points available - 26 points for each grand prix (25 for a win plus a point for the fastest lap) and then a maximum of eight points for winning that Qatar Sprint.
Verstappen will win in Vegas if he; finishes ahead of Norris outright, finishes one place behind Norris and is still within the top nine drivers, finishes behind Norris in third or fourth but claims the fastest lap, or if Norris only crosses the line in P9 without the fastest lap, P10 or out of the points- meaning the British stars chances now look far slimmer than the Dutchman's.
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