Raining champion!

SAO PAULO — Max Verstappen was described as "insane" and "invaluable" on Sunday after delivering one of the greatest wet weather drives to win the Brazilian Grand Prix and move to the brink of a fourth successive Formula One world title.

The Red Bull maestro won a chaotic, rain-lashed race at Interlagos from 17th place on the grid.

With title rival Lando Norris slipping from pole to a disappointing sixth place finish in his McLaren, Verstappen now boasts a 62-point lead over the Briton with just three races left.

He could wrap up the championship on the streets of Las Vegas in three weeks' time.

"I was feeling all over the place, a roller-coaster," he told reporters after his career 62nd win.

"My emotions went from wanting to destroy the garage after qualifying, to winning the race."

He added: "It's so unbelievable to win from so far back on the grid after expecting to drop points in the championship. There was so much at stake, and I had to be aware of the championship too. So for me this is the best one.

"The rain came and we stayed out, which was sketchy, and I just had to keep the car on track. The conditions were undriveable — it was like piloting a boat or a jet-ski, so it was special today."

Verstappen had not won a Grand Prix in 10 outings, dating back to the Spanish Grand Prix in May.

"I just want clean races now," he added. "I'm not thinking about the title or clinching it in Vegas."

Verstappen's victory was also an emphatic statement of intent as he reeled off five successive fastest laps in the closing stages — and 17 altogether — as he came home 19.4 seconds clear of Alpine's Esteban Ocon.