F1 has arrived in Sao Paulo Brazil for the 49th running of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Having played witness a to myriad of Formula 1 history over the years, the Interlagos circuit holds a special place in the hearts of fans and drivers as it packs several highly technical turns and substantial elevation change into a short distance. It also holds the distinction of being one of two counterclockwise circuits on the F1 calendar. This weekend will feature F1’s sprint qualifying format for the final time in 2021.
After a dominant showing in Mexico Red Bull unquestionably have momentum on their side as they come to Brazil and a circuit which has historically been strong for the team, Max Verstappen in particular. Look for another double podium finish to be a strong possibility in Brazil. On the AlphaTauri side of the garage Brazil has also been a happy hunting ground for the sister team. Look for one car solidly in the points with the second car also a candidate for points.
Elsewhere on the grid, Mercedes will have their work cut out for them for several reasons, not the least of which is Lewis Hamilton receiving a 5 place grid penalty for taking a new ICE . Despite Ferrari coming on strong in the second half, look for McLaren to bounce back as best-of-the-rest in Brazil. That doesn’t mean Ferrari won’t be right on their tail waiting for an opportunity to pounce. Next up we can expect to see the pair of Alpines working with each other to stay ahead of the entries from Aston Martin. At this point in the order we may see some team cars from the higher midfield runners before we get to what should be a strong battle between Williams and Alfa Romeo. Last but not least both Haas drivers will bring up the rear as the season is mercifully one race closer to ending for the American squad.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1 – Friday, November 12 – 10.25AM – ESPN2
Qualifying – Friday, November 12 -1.55PM –
ESPNU
Practice 2 – Saturday, November 13 – 9.55AM –
ESPNEWS
Sprint Qualifying – Saturday, November 13 – 2.25PM –
ESPNEWS
Grand Prix Sunday – Sunday, November 14 – 10.30AM – ESPN2
Brazilian Grand Prix – Sunday, November 14 – 11.55AM – ESPN2
Checkered Flag – Sunday, November 14 – 2PM – ESPN3
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 4.309km (2.677 miles)
Race laps: 71
Race distance: 305.909km (190.083 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’10.540 by Valtteri Bottas, 2018
Fastest lap: 1’07.281 by Lewis Hamilton, 2018
Maximum speed: 310kph (192.625 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight and Reta Oposta straight
Distance from grid to turn one: 190m
Car performance
Full throttle: 50%
Longest flat-out section: 1394m
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap: 42
Fuel use per lap: 1.4kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.042s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 22.342s by Ferrari (see full list)
2021 tyres: Hard (C2), Medium (C3), Soft (C4) (2019: Hard (C1), Medium (C2), Soft (C3))
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
2019 RESULTS
Race Info.
Pole: Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 1:07.508
Race laps: 71
Fast race lap: Valtteri Bottas – Mercedes, 1:10.698
Podium
1. Max Verstappen – Red Bull
2. Pierre Gasly – Toro Rosso
3. Carlos Sainz Jr. – McLaren
CURRENT STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 312.5
2. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 293.5
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 185
4. Sergio Perez, Red Bull, 165
5. Lando Norris, McLaren, 150
6. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 138
7. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari, 130.5
8. Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren, 105
9. Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri, 86
10. Fernando Alonso, Alpine, 60
11. Esteban Ocon, Alpine, 46
12. Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin, 42
13. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin, 26
14. Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri, 20
15. George Russell, Williams, 16
16. Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo, 10
17. Nicholas Latifi, Williams, 7
18. Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo, 1
19. Mick Schumacher, Haas, 0
20. Robert Kubica, Alfa Romeo, 0
21. Nikita Mazepin, Haas, 0
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 478.5
2. Red Bull, 477.5
3. Ferrari, 268.5
4. McLaren, 255
5. Alpine, 106
6. AlphaTauri, 106
7. Aston Martin, 68
8. Williams, 23
9. Alfa Romeo, 11
10. Haas, 0
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