Lewis Hamilton passed title rival Max Verstappen after an intense battle to take one of his greatest victories and win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

His move on Verstappen came 11 laps after the Dutchman forced him off track when Hamilton made another attempt.

His victory came after starting 20th and last for Saturday’s ‘sprint’ event.

It was a gripping conclusion to a weekend of bitterness and rancour between the two teams contesting the championship, and controversy both on and off the track.

The 101st victory of Hamilton’s career sent a powerful message of intent and is a potentially critical moment in the championship.

Had Verstappen held Hamilton off, he would have been able to finish second behind the Mercedes driver at the three remaining races in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi and still win the title.

Now, the title race is wide open and the two head to the Middle East with everything to play for.

What they said

“We tried everything we could,” Verstappen said. “It was a good battle but we just missed a bit of pace. It was good fun. We still have a good lead. Today was a bit of damage limitation and I am confident in the coming races we will bounce back.”

Hamilton said: “What a race. The team did an amazing job. I was pushing as hard as I could. From last on the grid and then another five-place penalty was the hardest weekend I’ve had.

“My dad reminded me of 2004, F3 in Bahrain, where I started last and then 10th and finished first.

“Coming into the weekend, I never thought we would be able to close the gap like we did today, things kept going against us. But it just shows that you have to keep pushing and never, ever stop fighting.

“That’s how I’ve approached this weekend.”