Ferrari’s Madrid was third behind the Mercedes, his ninth podium of the season. The Asturian, who came out 17, went back to fifth place
Up to three times they had to explain by radio to Stephen Ocon that I had to let go of Fernando Alonso. That the Spaniard came from behind with a better pace and better tires. That the rival was the pilot of another team and not his partner. And ultimately, that another skit like the one on Saturday was unacceptable. “Confirm that you have understood,” they finally said to him, because he still had some objection. Although at the moment of truth the Monegasque opened the door for him and Alonso, who had started 17th, flew past fifth place on the way. [Narracin y clasificaciones]
It was the culmination of a crazy race, marked by the incidents that followed two safety car and that George Russell master from start to finish. The Briton was the only leading man to come out of the chaos, and rounded off a great weekend – he also won Saturday’s sprint – with his first career win. from behind Lewis Hamilton, underlining the superiority of Mercedes in this Brazilian Grand Prix. and third Carlos Sainzwho stood on the podium for the ninth time this year.
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Controversy between teammates at Interlagos: “If Verstappen has two championships, it’s thanks to me”
Controversy between teammates at Interlagos: “If Verstappen has two championships, it’s thanks to me”
Who would have thought that Friday’s qualifying, with the rain, the failures and Russell’s accident that left that symbolic pole position in the hands of Kevin MagnussenIt wasn’t going to be the most chaotic Interlagos would experience. And who than the Dane who ended the weekend in such an absurd way, rammed by Ricciardo as soon as he started in the slowest corner of the circuit. Ah yes, seeing that such a small incident caused an eternal exit from the safety caranything could be expected.
And as if the safety car had been bottling up all the racing pressure, it was to pull away and unleash the madness. First a clash between Verstappen and Hamilton, which left the Dutchman without a gap when he tried to overtake him from the outside; and a blink later, another of Leclerc with Norris, who threw himself on top of the Monegasque when he tried to sneak inside. In a matter of seconds, Russell’s path to victory was cleared and the door to the podium opened for Sainz.
Russell’s task was much ‘easier’, as he saw his two main rivals for victory eliminate each other with a stroke of the pen. The Briton, also winner of the sprint race, maintained the excellent level of the weekend. Almost the best sign in such a busy race was that he was barely heard from. The Mexican Czech Prez40 laps chasing him, he was never a real threat. Such has been the pace of the Mercedes in Interlagos.
It was also very clear to Carlos Sainz, who with thirty laps to go was already telling his team on the radio. “My career is with Checo,” said the man from Madrid, with Red Bull still more than 10 seconds behind and Hamilton between the two. The seven-time champion of the world had come out better from the touch with Verstappen and was devouring what he found in his path. Pérez, with half exhausted tires, was not an obstacle for the British couple.
Pissed off Czech Prez
If there was any doubt about that heads up between Sainz and Prez, if he lacked incentive, he came with a new safety car to compress the race. The break, again with Norris involved – this time due to a problem with the car – settled the small battles. His with the Mexican for the third step of the podium and Alonso’s with those ahead of him. Or with. Vettel. Boots. Prez.
Because the Mexican, with bleeding tires, defended himself as best he could but ended up losing positions. Third. Fourth. Fifth. Sixth. And a seventh that made him explode: on the last lap, Red Bull ordered Verstappen to let himself be overtaken by his partner so that he could add a few more points, but the Dutchman, already world champion, flatly refused. “I already told you. I gave you my reasons,” zanj. Prez responded in a mixed zone. “I think if he has two titles it’s thanks to me.”
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