Brazil's Interlagos is the next stop of the F1 2024 season with the Lenovo Gran Premio de Sao Paulo. The rain spell in the South American superpower literally turned the tables for the drivers, better or worse, especially for Max Verstappen who tries to maintain his title hopes.
After a disastrous qualifying crash, Alex Albon was the first driver out of the race. The crash will take moments to repair and will not make it in time for the race. This leaves Franco Colapinto as the sole Williams driver at the Interlagos race.
As the lights went off, the race began with Sergio Perez spinning to last place followed by Lewis Hamilton going off-track on Lap 11. As the rain worsened, Lap 28 saw Nico Hulkenberg spinning off and the virtual safety car was triggered. Four laps later, the red flag was triggered after Colapinto crashed into the barriers.
With Hulkenberg disqualified after his Lap 28 incident, the race resumed and Ollie Bearman went spinning off on Lap 36 followed by a safety car-triggering Lap 40 incident with Carlos Sainz. As the race resumes, it becomes a chance of redemption for Max Verstappen.
Image: Formula 1 |
Despite starting from P17, Max Verstappen's herculean victory in Brazil proves that his title defense hopes are still alive. Behind him, Alpine delivered their best podium finishes with Esteban Ocon 2nd and Pierre Gasly 3rd.
With only three races left this season and with 62 points ahead of Lando Norris, will Max Verstappen maintain his championship status in the face of his newfound adversity?
The next race is the Heineken Silver Las Vegas Grand Prix this November 22, 2024.