2021 Formula One São Paulo Grand Prix: Race preview
The 2021 Formula One championship heads to Brazil this weekend, returning to
São Paulo following a one-year COVID absence.Previously known as the Brazilian Grand Prix, this year it inherits a new name – now known as the Formula One São Paulo Grand Prix.
With just four races remaining until the 2021 season concludes, the spotlight will yet again be on title contenders Max Verstappen (Red Bull) and Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes). Verstappen currently leads the Formula One championship 19 points clear of Hamilton.
The Dutchman extended his points lead at the previous round in Mexico, claiming his ninth victory for the season.
Hamilton scored a podium – his second successive second place finish, while Sergio Perez (Red Bull) finished in third, making him the first Mexican race driver to stand on the podium at their home GP.
The last race in Brazil in 2019 was won by Verstappen, however there’s only one repeat winner that will be lining up on the grid come Sunday – none other than seven-time world champion, Lewis Hamilton (winning the race in 2016 and 2018).
Aussie F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo is yet to stand on the podium, with fourth his highest result recorded at this circuit (2018).
The McLaren driver had a shocking start to the race in Mexico, clipping Valtteri Bottas (Mercedes) in turn one on the opening lap. He claimed 12th position and retains eighth position in the championship standings.
The constructors’ battle is tighter than ever with only one point in it – Mercedes leads with 478.5 points over Red Bull, sitting on 477.5.
Further down the scoreboard Alpine and AlphaTauri are tied on 106 points in fifth and sixth positions, while Haas is still searching for its first point for the 2021 season.
In other news away from the track, Alfa Romeo has announced that its second seat for 2022 will be revealed after this weekend.
Fans will be treated to the Sprint Qualifying format in Brazil – the final sprint for the season. The format debuted at Silverstone and was tested again in Monza.
Rain could throw a spanner in the works with plenty forecast for Friday and Saturday. Conditions are expected to improve on Sunday with an expected top of 25 degrees and less than ten percent chance of rain.
The track
The first F1 race was held back in 1973 around the 4.309km circuit. A total of 305.909km will be covered over 71 laps this weekend.
The lap record is held by Valtteri Bottas, with a time of 1:10.540.
TV schedule
| Session | Date | Time (AEST) | Channel |
| Free Practice 1 | Saturday 13th November | 2:30am | Fox Sports 506 / Kayo |
| Qualifying | Saturday 13th November | 6:00am | Fox Sports 506 / Kayo |
| Free Practice 2 | Sunday 14th November | 2:00am | Fox Sports 506 / Kayo |
| Sprint Qualifying | Sunday 14th November | 6:30am | Fox Sports 506 / Kayo |
| Race | Monday 15th November | 4:00am | Fox Sports 506 / Kayo |
2021 teams and drivers
| Team | Drivers |
| Alfa Romeo | Kimi Räikkönen & Antonio Giovinazzi |
| Alpine (previously Renault) | Fernando Alonso & Esteban Ocon |
| AlphaTauri | Pierre Gasly & Yuki Tsunoda |
| Aston Martin (previously Racing Point) | Sebastian Vettel & Lance Stroll |
| Ferrari | Charles Leclerc & Carlos Sainz |
| Haas | Mick Schumacher & Nikita Mazepin |
| McLaren | Daniel Ricciardo & Lando Norris |
| Mercedes-AMG | Lewis Hamilton & Valtteri Bottas |
| Red Bull | Max Verstappen & Sergio Perez |
| Williams | George Russell & Nicholas Latifi |
Fast facts
Only one driver on the grid this weekend is a two-time winner at the Brazilian Grand Prix: Lewis Hamilton (2016 and 2018).
Michael Schumacher is the most successful driver at Interlagos, with four race victories.
The last time an F1 race in Brazil was won by over a lap was in 1994.
Ferrari has won nine times in total making it the most successful team at this track.
As reported by F1 Destinations Grand Prix Travel Guides
Our predictions
Every race is crucial with not even a race win separating the top two when it comes to the points gap. With the possibility of rain and the sprint format introduced yet again, there could be a bit of a shake up.
Verstappen performed well in the high-altitude conditions in Mexico and there is another variable of high altitude in Brazil, so we have no doubt that he’ll be quick and score a podium.
However, we think a very hungry Hamilton might just have the edge here – making it an even more interesting battle for the remaining races.
Keep a close eye on the Ferrari and McLaren rivalry as they continue to fight for third spot in the constructors’ championship. Ferrari is the most successful team here so we think this could be its chance for yet another podium, be it Charles Leclerc or Carlos Sainz.
Sebastian Vettel has done his fair share of laps around this circuit and with a good result in Mexico, we think he’s a strong chance of a top-five finish.
Let’s hope our Aussie, Dan Ricciardo, returns to form and collects some much-needed points this weekend. It’s set to be a belter.
Which driver do you think will be leading the championship after this weekend’s Mexican F1 GP?
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