If there is one Grand Prix to look forward to over the course of a Formula One season it has to be the Brazilian Grand Prix. And, once again it lived up to all expectations, with another nail biting race as we inch ever so closer to the end of a fantastic Formula One season. In fact, this may just turn out to be a pivotal race in 2024, with Max Verstappen and Red Bull reaping the rewards come Grand Prix Sunday, as McLaren and Lando Norris' pole position failed to materialize into nothing more than 6th position, thanks to plenty of on-track drama and the typical Brazilian Grand Prix wet weather that always guarantees an unpredictable race to the chequered flag.
In 2024, the action began as early as the formation lap when Aston Martin's Lance Stroll found himself in the barrier before then beaching himself in the gravel as he attempted to return to the track. This would lead to an aborted start of the race for the remainder of the field who had now made it back to the grid, as well as extreme confusion between drivers, teams, fans and pundits alike when Norris would lead the field off on a second formation lap - one that shouldn't have happened. He, alongside several other leading drivers, would find themselves under investigation for this infringement; all getting away with either a fine or a slap on the wrist. Regardless, it's another prime example of how some F1 rules need a bit of clarification, to avoid meaningless mistakes like this in the future.
With the race finally underway, the opening lap appeared cleaner than many would have expected on a damp track. Norris would lose his lead to George Russell, while Red Bull's Sergio Perez would find himself in a spin before recovering in last position, continuing his string of diabolical performances while making his uncertain F1 future even more so. As for Lewis Hamilton, some early race rain would see him take to the run off on lap twelve, before losing positions to Carlos Sainz and Oliver Bearman after a lock up. Sainz would also later lock up, falling behind Bearman and Franco Colapinto.
Rain would, in theory, become one of the biggest talking points of this year's Brazilian Grand Prix, with it reaching it's highest intensity by Lap 27. Pit stops would be triggered with many pitting for a change of intermediate tyre, while others, mainly back markers, would take a failed gamble on full wets. And, with the track becoming as wet as it would, drama was inevitable. Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson would come together at turn one, the former receiving a 10 second penalty for the collision. Esteban Ocon and Yuki Tusnoda would battle it out for 3rd with Ocon getting the better of the RB in the wet conditions. The same being said for Norris on Russell after pitting at the same time. Nico Hulkenberg would spin his Haas off the track in Sector One, coming to a halt, bringing out the Virtual Safety Car. He would get going again, with illegal help from the marshals, resulting in the first Black Flag in a Formula One race since 2007. Eventually, the Race Stewards would deploy the Safety Car, the first of two in this race. The second coming in the latter stages when Sainz, fresh from his Mexico Grand Prix win, found himself in the barrier on Lap 40.
Did the drama end there? Oh no. Several drivers, including that of Norris and Charles Leclerc, would lock up their tyres on the restarts. Bearman would also find the barriers before continuing on his way. And, Fernando Alonso, with immense back pain, would take an unscheduled trip through the run off. However, it would be Colapinto that would spin into the barrier in the final sector, writing off his Williams and bringing out a red flag. Driver was ok.
For some, take the Alpines of Ocon and Pierre Gasly as well as Verstappen, for example, the red flag was a "god send." For others, Norris and Russell, it was the worst thing that could happen to their race. Again, the debate rages on as to whether drivers should be allowed free tyre changes under a red... I'm sure in this situation Verstappen would be all for it. It played a part in his win after all, as he took the lead from then leader, Ocon, at he restart. The Red Bull would then hold off both Alpines until the very end, taking the chequered flag and firmly placing a hand on the Championship trophy. Ocon and Gasly would finished 2nd and 3rd in an impressive race for the Alpine team.
This race was a classic Brazilian Grand Prix, on par with the likes of 2012. It's still such a shame that it is no longer the season finale because what a season finale it used to be! Anyway, 3 exciting races to go. Next up: Vegas!
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