Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer has picked Max Verstappen's surprise Spanish Grand Prix victory as one of the Dutchman's best moments of the year.
Verstappen started second on the grid at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, alongside McLaren's Lando Norris.
The Briton had been the favourite for victory, but a poor start by Norris and an excellent start by Verstappen handed the win to the Dutchman.
It was a win not expected to go Verstappen's way, yet ended up being a crucial moment in his title fight against the 25-year-old.
In Palmer's eyes, Verstappen's São Paulo Grand Prix victory and podium at Silverstone were other standout performances.
"The obvious standout is Brazil," Palmer told Formula 1. "Charging through the field from 17th and making the rest of the field look ordinary was exceptional, particularly with title pressures in play.
"The opening of the Spanish Grand Prix was also superbly clinical from Max, passing Norris and then Russell which set him up for a win he probably shouldn’t have taken.
"Finally Silverstone was a brilliant showcase of why he’s so difficult to beat over a season. Even when the car isn’t competitive, both team and driver managed to execute the absolute very best from the situation and finish second, extending Max's title advantage."
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Verstappen 'nervy'
Whilst Verstappen's victories in both Barcelona and, in particular, São Paulo were crucial to becoming a four-time world champion, he had to work to retain his title.
Red Bull's issues with the RB20 in the second half of 2024 did kickstart a title fight against Norris, who was consistently towards the front.
Palmer believes Verstappen and the Milton Keynes-based team did become nervous about the title during the Americas triple-header, before any concerns were put to rest in Brazil.
"In the Americas triple header you sensed that things were getting nervy and Max’s driving showed that he was feeling the pressure as well at times," assessed Palmer.
"With McLaren showing consistent strong pace, it didn’t look like a breezy home run for Max, especially with Piastri’s team orders in play in the Brazil Sprint.
"It seemed the title was one race away from hanging in the balance, until the Sao Paulo Grand Prix decided it for good."
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