Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said Max Verstappen is redefining the laws of physics after watching his sensational drive to third at the Brazilian Grand Prix.

Though Lewis Hamilton won a chaotic race to ensure the title fight goes to the final race, Verstappen stole the headlines with a thrilling drive peppered with great overtakes. It included a late fightback from 16th to third after a Red Bull strategy gamble backfired, with the team opting for intermediate tyres before the rain intensified, prompting another pit stop.

Ahead of the weekend it emerged Wolff -- a long-time admirer of the Red Bull driver -- had called Verstappen's father, Jos, to talk about the potential impact his son could have on the battle between Mercedes' drivers for the title. After watching his drive in Brazil, Wolff admitted he was in awe of what the younger Verstappen had done.

When asked if he had a word on the 19-year-old's drive, Wolff said: "The Verstappen show! It was really unbelievable driving, great entertainment. Physics are being redefined."

That praise was shared by Mercedes non-executive and three-time world champion Niki Lauda, who said the teenager had passed drivers in a way others did not.

"Lewis and Nico [Rosberg] did a perfect job coming first and second," Lauda said. "Verstappen was outstanding, the way he passed everybody so it was an interesting race."

Lauda rubbished the suggestion Verstappen benefitted from a fresh set of wet tyres late on, saying: "Nevertheless, he did the job, unbelievable, the way he passed it was just incredible. I knew the guy is good but he proved to everybody what he can do."