Surprise pole for Hass’ Kevin Magnussen set off the weekend’s qualifying, after his lap time could not be beaten and the session became red-flagged. The Mercedes of Russell suffered a slide off the track - allowing the Danish driver to lead the sprint race with Verstappen in P2 and Russell behind.
In the final sprint race of the season, there was a successful start for the likes of Magnussen and Verstappen with Russell also maintaining P3. Max and Nicholas Latifi were the only drivers to opt for starts on medium tyres with the rest of the grid deciding on soft tyres. Magnussen enjoyed a short reign at the front before being overtaken by multiple drivers and tumbling down the grid. There was contact between the two Alpine drivers, and Lance Stroll ended up with a 10 second penalty due to a move on teammate Sebastian Vettel. George secured first place in the sprint race followed by Carlos Sainz - who will take a five-place grid penalty due to taking a new engine.
There was contact between the two Alpine drivers, and Lance Stroll ended up with a 10 second penalty due to a move on teammate Sebastian Vettel
Following his success in the sprint, Russell took his place up at front for the race, with Mercedes occupying the front row. Sitting ahead of the two Red Bulls of Verstappen and Perez and Leclerc for Ferrari. The getaway was clean for the two British drivers, as the grid aligned without issue until Turn 9. The McLaren of Daniel Ricciardo colliding with Magnussen, saw the first-time pole sitter spin and roll from the track. To the surprise of the Ricciardo, the Haas caught his wheel also sending him off the track. Both drivers out the race on lap 1, with a safety car being deployed.
Further action came from a collision on lap 7 between Verstappen and Hamilton after the safety car restart, as the Red Bull went round the outside of the Mercedes forcing Lewis off the track. This season’s world champion made claims that Hamilton had left him no room, yet still received a 5 second penalty for the clash. This wasn’t the only action on this lap as Lando Norris sent Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari spinning into the barriers at Turn 6. Resulting in McLaren’s man also receiving a 5 second penalty due to the incident.
Lap 52 saw the second McLaren out of the race as Norris lost power, bringing out another safety car.
Controversy occurred between the two Red Bull drivers, as Verstappen failed to let Sergio Perez through towards the end - who was battling for second place in the championship. Perez spoke after the race expressing his surprise on the situation adding “after all I’ve done for him”.
I told you already last time, you guys don't ask that again to me, okay?
Max Verstappen
This race was dominated by Mercedes, with Russell and Hamilton securing a one-two. This was the first Grand Prix win for George Russell who became the 20th British driver to win a race. Speaking afterwards he described this season as an “emotional rollercoaster”. This Interlagos weekend also left both Perez and Leclerc drawn on points going into the final race of the season in a battle for second place. With Mercedes being left in a good position to challenge for second in the constructor’s championship.
