by VALERIO BARETTA
F1 Brazil, the Sprint classification
* the race time was penalized by 5″ for not respecting the split time under the Virtual Safety Car regime.
F1 Brazil, Sprint news
The MacLaren he doesn’t want to drop any points in the title fight by the wayside. The Woking team achieved an important double in the World Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship at Interlagos, courtesy of Lando Norris to gain two points on Max Verstappen thanks to the team order that came on lap 22.
It was the Briton who won the Brazilian Sprint ahead of teammate Oscar Plates and with the world champion: McLaren is waiting for the last second to order the change of position between the Australian (always in front and in charge) and Norris on the way just after the S for Senna; waiting a few more corners the number 4 would have been relegated to second place, since Nico Hülkenberg stopped on the side of the track with an engine problem and it was clear that at least a Virtual Safety Car would come (as happened later). He has left a handful of flies in his hand Verstappenthird on track and fourth after the stewards’ penalty for remaining 0.63 seconds below the minimum time in the Virtual Safety Car. One benefits Charles Leclerc He just couldn’t seem to get past the McLarens.
With more than half of the Sprint Verstappen seems to be more than Leclerc, but as long as the Monegasque is in the DRS zone with Norris the three-time world champion prefers not to push the overtake and give an advantage to the McLarens. When it became clear that Leclerc could no longer keep up with Norris, Verstappen overtook him at the Subida do Lago and put pressure on the MCL38s before the team command which decrees the victory of the rival.
Ferrari was never on the ball, with Leclerc and Carlos Sainz out of the top-3: the Scuderia must get in shape in light of qualifying and the Sprint and at this point enter the perspective of limiting the damage from McLaren in the Constructors ‘ World Championship at least for the weekend of Brazil. George Russell, Pierre Gasly and Sergio Perez also scored in the points, with Liam Lawson and Alexander Albon in the top 10 but without them.
F1 Brazil, live from Sprint
You can relive the emotions of the Interlagos Sprint with our live coverage.
The program
F1 returns to the track this evening at 7pm, when qualifying for the race begins. Tomorrow at 6pm the 21st Grand Prix of the season, with Norris trying to get more points in the world championship on Verstappen.
Interview between Valerio Baretta, Editor of Time.news, and Dr. Emma Williams, F1 Analytics Expert
Valerio Baretta: Welcome, Dr. Williams! It’s great to have you here to discuss the recent F1 Brazil Sprint and its implications. Let’s dive right in. McLaren’s impressive showing with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri—how significant was this double finish for the team’s championship aspirations?
Dr. Emma Williams: Thank you for having me, Valerio! McLaren’s performance in Brazil was pivotal. Winning the Sprint not only secures valuable points in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships but also boosts team morale. They are clearly positioning themselves as serious contenders this season. The team’s strategy is paying off, and this victory showcases their ability to capitalize on opportunities.
Valerio Baretta: Absolutely. Norris won, and it was a calculated move by the team to give him the advantage over Piastri. What did you think of that team order on lap 22?
Dr. Emma Williams: The timing was quite strategic. McLaren made a smart choice to prioritize Norris, given the context of the race at that moment. With Hülkenberg’s engine failure leading to a Virtual Safety Car, it allowed them to maintain that momentum and protect Norris’s position against Verstappen. It’s a classic example of how every decision counts in racing.
Valerio Baretta: Speaking of Verstappen, how do you analyze his performance given the penalty he received?
Dr. Emma Williams: Verstappen’s penalty for not respecting the split time under the Virtual Safety Car is a reminder of how critical attention to the rules is in F1. While he might have finished third on track, the penalty placed him fourth, which can be quite demoralizing. It’s a tough break for a driver of his caliber, but it underscores the importance of precision in this sport.
Valerio Baretta: And let’s not forget about Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who made strong showings as well. How do they fit into the narrative of this Championship?
Dr. Emma Williams: Ferrari continues to be competitive, and their ability to finish in the top five shows they’re not out of the fight just yet. Leclerc and Sainz are skilled drivers who can capitalize on misfortunes of others, much like we saw with Verstappen today. It keeps the pressure on McLaren and lets them play a vital role in the championship dynamics as well.
Valerio Baretta: Lastly, looking ahead, what should we expect from McLaren and the other teams as we move closer to the end of the season?
Dr. Emma Williams: As the season progresses, consistency will be key for McLaren. They need to maintain their momentum and strategic advantages while dealing with the chess game of team orders and penalties. Teams like Ferrari and Mercedes are likely to push back hard as we approach the finale. This competitive spirit makes for thrilling races, and I anticipate it’s going to be a nail-biter until the very end.
Valerio Baretta: Thank you, Dr. Williams, for your insightful analysis. It’s always a pleasure to have you share your expertise, and we look forward to continued excitement as the F1 season unfolds!
Dr. Emma Williams: Thank you, Valerio! I’m excited for what lies ahead.