Bernie Ecclestone's message to Max Verstappen in Christian Horner phone call after Brazilian Grand Prix

Red Bull boss Christian Horner has revealed that ex-Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone rates Max Verstappen's performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix as one of the all-time best.

Verstappen recovered from starting 17th on the grid to spectacularly win a soaking wet race in Sao Paolo. The three-time world champion endured a nightmare qualifying session to end up P12 but had to take an additional five-place grid penalty after making an engine change ahead of Sunday's chaotic race.

After overtaking six cars during a stellar opening lap, Verstappen was into the top 10 by the first turn of lap two. Now within touching distance of winning the Drivers' Championship for the fourth year in a row, the 27-year-old's remarkable performance has been lauded by former F1 chief executive Ecclestone.

Speaking after Verstappen finished a whopping 19 seconds ahead of Esteban Ocon in P2, Red Bull team principal Horner revealed: "Bernie rang me after the race and said, 'I've seen all the greats; and that's one of the very best I've ever seen'. He's a bit older than I am and seen a bit more, so high credit from someone like him."

Horner went on to compare Verstappen's start to F1 legend Ayrton Senna's famous opening lap and subsequent victory at Donington Park in 1993. "Today was an emotional rollercoaster because we knew we had a good car," Horner added. "Max's mental strength and attitude to deal with that is outstanding, and I thought his start today was electric.

"That first lap was up there with Donington '93, around the outside of Turn 3. I think he passed six cars on the first lap. Then he was the only car that was really making progress, being able to pick cars off - and so late on the brakes into Turn 1.

"Whether it was with Lewis, with Oscar Piastri, and then obviously at the restart with Esteban. And then he just controlled the race and pulled away with ease, at sometimes one second per lap. So, on a pretty dreary day, he shone pretty brightly today."

Get involved! Was the Brazilian Grand Prix Max Verstappen's greatest ever drive? Have your say in the comments section.

Max Verstappen triumphed in Brazil against the odds
(Image: Getty Images)

Verstappen's win marked his first Grand Prix victory since June, having gone through a rough patch this autumn to give championship rival Lando Norris hope of an upset. But now Verstappen can win the title as soon as the next race in Las Vegas on Sunday, November 24.

The Dutchman's full 26-point haul also boosts Red Bull's chances of retaining the Constructors' Championship, having fallen behind Norris' team, McLaren. "We've watched a lead that has been diminishing since before the summer break and, having not won since June," Horner acknowledged.

"It was great to hear the Rolling Stones playing again in the garage, in memory of Dietrich Mateschitz (Red Bull's co-founder who died in 2022) that we play every time we win a Grand Prix."