Brazil played host to another Formula 1 classic last weekend, with Max Verstappen’s masterful performance at a soaking wet Interlagos also moving him comfortably clear of Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings. Will it prove to be the 2024 season’s decisive race? We look back at some other examples from the turn of the millennium that changed the course of title battles…
USA 2003 – Montoya’s costly penalty
Ferrari driver Michael Schumacher, Williams racer Juan Pablo Montoya and McLaren’s Kimi Raikkonen were in close contention for the 2003 world title heading to the penultimate round of the season at Indianapolis, which delivered mixed weather conditions and a chaotic affair.
On a day dictated by running the right tyre at the right time and not making any mistakes, Montoya dramatically dropped out of the championship conversation via a drive-through penalty for clashing with Rubens Barrichello and a trip over the grass in the rain.
Pole-sitter Raikkonen led early on but was overhauled by Schumacher at one-third distance, when the Bridgestone intermediates held the edge over the Michelin wets, setting the German up for his sixth crown – achieved in another dramatic race – at the Suzuka finale.