Final round in the triple header, Sao Paulo Grand Prix is here. The Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo, Brazil is famous for providing blockbusters one after another. Previous races at Austin and Mexico city shifted the momentum towards Ferrari. It wasn’t just back-to-back wins, it was 1-2 and 1-3 results. Ferrari snatched most points from there, and is the only team in top 3 with both drivers in red-hot form. Oscar Piastri for McLaren has been out of sync since Singapore, while Red Bull’s Sergio Perez is struggling since China. Its a sprint weekend, it means serious business. Teams so close and championship on stake, maximizing every result is crucial. Whoever bags most point from sprints will have edge over its rivals.
Interlagos is filled with twisty turns, long straights, significant changes in elevation. The geographical location of this circuit is a cherry on the cake. It is located in a region that witnesses rapid changes in weather. The weather can swing 2-4 times a race, going from dry to drizzle or maybe heavy rain and dry again. Rain and Interlagos is a matchmade in heaven.
This is where F1 has witnessed its most dramatic races and seasons endings. Sebastian Vettel’s title charge in 2012 after a first lap disaster or Lewis Hamilton’s last corner deciding championship while Ferrari was celebrating thinking they won, this track has so many iconic moments. An entire book can be written on the classics it has produced over the years. Even the most boring race here would surpass greatest races of few tracks.
Upgrades & Schedule:
F1 2024 cars have nearly ended their development cycle. Even if any team brings an update, it would only be track specific minor upgrade or sorting out issues with their car. Teams like McLaren and Mercedes haven’t gained anything significant from their Austin upgrades. While Mercedes was in no man’s land, McLaren lost grounds to its rivals since the update. The team’s philosophy to bring upgrades one after another hasn’t worked this time. However this same philosophy proved instrumental in their miraculous comeback within 2 years.
Practice and Sprint Qualifying will take place on Friday (November 1), on Saturday (November 2), it will be the 100 km sprint and qualifying for main race, and Sunday (November 3), will be the race day.
Predictions:
In a closely contested sprint qualifying, Lando Norris will take pole. While Max Verstappen would win the sprint race. Both Ferraris will be in top 4 and Mercedes will spoil party for one of the drivers in the top 3 teams.
Now qualifying for the race, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc will battle for the pole. Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and Oscar Piastri/George Russell will finish top 5. Sergio Perez won’t make it to Q3, Franco Colapinto and Liam Lawson will outqualify their senior teammates. Both Haas will be in top 10.
Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz will win by barest of margins. 2 McLarens, 2 Ferraris and Max Verstappen will be involved in a race long battle for podiums. One of those 5 cars will end in a disaster. Haas will certainly will extend its lead on VCARB.
