Even if the time difference makes the 2021 Sao Paulo Grand Prix a little inconvenient to watch here in Australia, you can guarantee I won't be missing it. Being a favourite track of both fans and drivers, Interlagos is sure to provide an exciting and dramatic race.
Most recently, we can look back to the 2019 Brazilian Grand Prix, which happens to be one of my favourite Formula 1 races ever. We had Max Verstappen claiming victory after his race was ruined by a collision with backmarker Ocon in 2018. Pierre Gasly clinched second place after a drag race to the finish line with Lewis Hamilton, to complete the first Honda 1-2 finish since 1991.
Even after the podium ceremony the drama wasn't over, with Lewis Hamilton receiving a 5 second time penalty for causing a collision with Alex Albon, meaning that Carlos Sainz moved from P4 to P3 to receive his first F1 podium in a non-traditional manner. The race was interjected by safety cars, strategy calls, and teammate drama (Ferrari we’re looking at you). If 2019 is anything to go on, this is definitely a race to tune in for as we get to the feisty part of the season.
The first thing to throw a spanner in the works this weekend is the final ‘Sprint Qualifying’ of the season. Despite F1 boss Stefano Domenicali saying that there was overwhelming audience support for the new sprint format, the opinions I have encountered online differ slightly. Most fans on social media, at least those that are vocal about their opinions, still claim to be against or unconvinced by the new format. Interlagos will be the final opportunity for the sprint qualifying to impress fans, drivers, and media. The powers-that-be at F1 have already confirmed that the sprint races will be increasingly incorporated into the 2022 season so they have some work to do to ensure that fans get behind this decision.
Despite doubts about the format, the last two races that adopted the sprint qualifying, Silverstone and Monza, both saw interesting races as a result. Of course, Verstappen and Hamilton had dramatic collisions in both of these races. Fans on both sides of the fence will be watching with bated breath this weekend to see if bad things really do come in threes.
It's no secret that neither Verstappen nor Hamilton can afford a DNF at this stage in the title fight. However, with Verstappen having a 19 point lead, Hamilton goes to Brazil on the backfoot. This will undoubtedly be a crucial weekend for Hamilton to keep the championship battle from slipping away from him. However, with the track location and characteristics of Interlagos not favouring Red Bull nearly as much as Mexico City, all results are still on the table.
Besides the sprint race and both title fights, there will be lots to watch out for this weekend. Will Ferrari extend their lead over McLaren in the Constructors Championship? Let’s face it, their race can't be worse than their last outing to Brazil. Will any further details be revealed about the unconfirmed Alfa Romeo 2022 seat? Will the changeable Brazilian weather provide an unexpected result? With teams and drivers getting desperate to scrape up any remaining points in the season, they are set to provide some spectacular viewing.
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