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What Sergio Perez’s fans were singing at him on his return to the Mexico City Grand Prix.
Sergio Perez receives a hero’s welcome ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. The report from Record says the ‘party has already started’ ahead of the 20th race weekend of the F1 season in Mexico.
24 Oct 2024
Ben Evans
FIA (Press Release)
Sergio Perez needs all the help he can if he’s going to retain his seat at Red Bull Racing beyond the end of this season. The Mexico City Grand Prix – previously known as the Mexican Grand Prix until 2019 – is preparing to host its 25th race in Formula 1.
Hundreds of people came out to welcome Perez at the Plaza Carso where Telcel – one of Perez’s biggest sponsors – is based. Perez’s name was sung throughout the event, and they reportedly didn’t stop signing his customary ‘Viejo sabroso’ chant. The term translates to ‘tasty old man’ and has followed Perez around for several years now.
‘Viejo sabroso’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wha...ty-grand-prix/
F1 - 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix - Thursday Press Conference Transcript
PART ONE – Sergio PÉREZ (Red Bull Racing), Nico HÜLKENBERG (Haas), Pierre GASLY (Alpine)
PART TWO – Charles LECLERC (Ferrari), Zhou GUANYU (Kick Sauber), Felipe DRUGOVICH (Aston Martin)
24.10.24
FIA (Press Release)
Q: Checo, I feel we have to start with you. Just describe the build-up to this Grand Prix for you? It seems to get bigger and bigger every year. Sergio PÉREZ: It's pretty impressive. You always forget when you are on the other side of the world with so many races, you really forget the amount of support you have in your own country. And yeah, it's amazing. It's a great opportunity. It's a great experience every single Grand Prix. You know, it's crazy to think that this is the ninth Grand Prix that we've had. I was just joking with some of my sponsors yesterday, every year we used to do a football game for the for the lead up to the grand prix and now nobody can play because everyone has issues with the knees, with the back, you know, so everyone is aging so much! It's just great you know to look back at it and obviously this year again I think this Mexican Grand Prix, to me, I think it's the best in the world by quite a chunk.
Q:. Nico, let's come to you now. What a weekend for you and for Haas in Austin. Just give us your reflections on that, first of all. Nico HÜLKENBERG: Yeah, it's been very positive. Scored points twice, and with both cars in the Sprint. So, yeah, I think, you know, we feel very happy coming out of there. Also, you know, taking P6, obviously, at the moment in the championship. So we want to obviously hang on to that, repeat it as often as we can and take that momentum into this week and to next week and just keep building on that.
Q: Pierre, let's come to you now. Let's get a review from you about Austin. You were running upgrades on your car. Qualifying looked great. A few issues in the race. Just talk us through it?
Pierre GASLY: Yeah, I mean, best qualifying of the year. So I would say definitely some good positives to take away from the weekend. You know, looking back at a couple of months ago, we started in Bahrain on the last row. Still, we kept focusing on developing the package we have and, you know, eventually got to P7 last week in quali. So very pleased to see some good evolution with the car. The other side on Sunday, it wasn't a good race, not well executed. Unfortunately, we lost quite a bit of time with the pit stop, struggled a lot with the Hard tyre and lost the good start we had. So quite gutted not to convert this good quali into points, but at least there is definitely some hopes. you know encouraging signs that we we're going to be able to fight slightly further up the top for the remaining races.
Q: Felipe, why don't we start with you, because for a long time now, you've been scheduled to drive Fernando's car in FP1 here tomorrow. How excited are you by that? And what is the programme tomorrow?
Felipe DRUGOVICH: Yeah, so thank you very much, first of all. Very excited to be here. Yeah, I think the only thing that wasn't planned to be is actually the press conference. So, yeah, my best wishes to Fernando. Let's see how he gets on tomorrow. But, yeah, really excited. Tomorrow the plan is to, first of all, focus a little bit for the team. We're going to have some development runs. I'm just trying to help the team. gather some data, I think I'll be able to have some fun at the end, you know, pushing a little bit, but, you know, it's normally quite tricky, especially as a new track for me, so I need to take care of the car, but, yeah, hopefully it'll be a good session.
Q: Zhou, let's come to you now. It was quite a tough weekend for you in Austin. The race didn't quite pan out as you wanted. You didn't have the upgrades on your car, Valtteri did. What was he saying about them? And what can you expect from them this weekend when you'll have them as well?
ZHOU GUANYU: You know, firstly, I think, excited, of course, to try the new package. I think Austin, in general, we were still trying to extract everything we could. I think it wasn't easy, just seeing how difficult, let's say, the start of the weekend for us, but also with the short term of just FP1, then obviously not getting enough track time to try certain things, trying to extract them. So I think it's working like we expected in terms of numbers. But I did definitely expect to be a little bit more ahead than the pace was. But one thing I think was good is that in qualifying, it was, I think, both of us under two tenths to Q2, which is the closest we've ever been the last four five races. In a way it shows how much struggle we've been in but one another side I think it shows we have managed to close the gap, which is something nice to do. Unfortunately my race, definitely not going to go too much into detail on that, with a mistake in Turn 1 and that cost quite a bit. But even then I think points weren't possible that weekend. But I was just trying to give it always what I had. So this weekend is going to be completely different, which will be nice and jump in the car after let's say P1, from P2 onwards, trying to figure out, you know, what we go forward and, you know, what set-up we make, adjustments.
Q: Charles, let's come to you now. Tremendous weekend for Ferrari last time out. What chance a repeat here in Mexico?
Charles LECLERC: I mean, it's very difficult to predict this season race by race. Last weekend went extremely well for us. We were particularly strong in races and in race pace. In qualifying, we struggled a little bit more. However, on paper, Mexico should be quite a good track for us. But that doesn't mean we'll reproduce the kind of performance we've done in Austin, we just need to focus on ourselves, focus obviously on FP2 for me, I won't be doing FP1, Ollie will be in the car for FP1, and yeah, just try and maximise the result this weekend, and then we'll see where it ends up, but it's obviously a very important part of the season, only five races to go, and there's the Constructors’ title, that is still possible, so we'll give absolutely everything in order to try and take that one.
‘Thursday Press Conference Transcript’;
https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-mex...nce-transcript
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Sergio Perez backed for F1 World Championship glory amid Mexican GP retirement rumours.
Sergio Perez has been backed to win the world title by his biggest fan – his dad.
24 Oct 2024
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Sergio Perez is by far the most successful Mexican in F1 history having scored six of the country’s eight wins and raced more than every other driver combined. But the title crown has eluded him with his highest position being P2 in 2023, a season where he finished 290 points behind team-mate Max Verstappen.
But if there is one man who still believes in the driver, it is his dad. Antonio Pérez Garibay is a frequent figure in the paddock and is never happier than when his son is doing well. Another trait of Perez Sr is heaping expectations on his son. Having previously said his son will not retire before winning the World Championship, Perez Sr has again stated his confidence in this happening.
“The best of Checo Perez is yet to come,” he told Mexican publication Récord+. “I am sure that in due time, Checo will have the weapons and tools to fight for the world championship. I am very excited and I can say that Checo will be world champion.” Perez has been under fire for over a year given his lacklustre form but for now, Red Bull bosses have not suggested he will be dropped.
‘Biggest fan – his dad’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio...rement-rumours
Sergio Perez makes ‘terrible season’ admission as ‘massive change’ sought
24 Oct 2024
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com
Sergio Perez believes the Mexico City Grand Prix result could make a “massive” change to his F1 2024 season, which he deemed “terrible”. “Yeah, definitely, I know I’ve had a terrible season, a very difficult one,” he told media, including PlanetF1.com, in the press conference ahead of his home race at the Mexico City Grand Prix. It started really well, but, yeah, it’s been really, really difficult.”
“For me, you know, if I get a strong result, it can definitely change my season massively, in terms of personal feeling. So I’m really up for it,” he said, saying he hopes to be able to replicate his podium finish of 2021 by bringing his young son up with him. I think that moment will stay with me forever, having my son up there with me on the podium watching me,” he said.
“It’s something that I hope he remembers forever, if not I have the picture, at least, to show him when he’s old, you know? Those moments, I think it’s the ones that really matter to me, and I hope I can repeat that one this weekend.”
‘Strong result, it can definitely change my season massively’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio...ity-grand-prix
Multiple drivers set to appear in Mexico City Grand Prix FP1 session
24 Oct 2024
FIA Formula 2 Championship - Official Site
There are several drivers from the 2024 grid that will be getting into the cockpit of F1 machinery this weekend in Mexico for the opening Practice session of the event. Along with those on the ’24 grid, there are a few familiar faces also taking part in the action around the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez this weekend.
After his first FP1 outing back in Monza, Andrea Kimi Antonelli will be back behind the wheel of the Mercedes W15, replacing Lewis Hamilton in first Practice ahead of his promotion to F1 full-time next season.
Over at Ferrari, Oliver Bearman will get back into the cockpit of the SF-24 for the first time since his impressive last-minute call-up in Jeddah. He will be taking over driving duties from Charles Leclerc for FP1 after several appearances for Haas earlier in the year.
‘Multiple drivers set to appear’;
https://www.fiaformula2.com/Latest/1...ix-fp1-session
Which F1 rookies are driving FP1 at the Mexican GP?
Half of the current F1 teams will field rookie drivers during FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix - but who are the drivers getting the chance, and who is stepping aside?
24 Oct 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
FP1 Driver Team Driver Replaced
Pato O'Ward McLaren TBC
Oliver Bearman Ferrari Charles Leclerc
Kimi Antonelli Mercedes Lewis Hamilton
Felipe Drugovich Aston Martin Fernando Alonso
Robert Shwartzman Stake Zhou Guanyu
‘F1 rookies’;
https://racingnews365.com/which-f1-r...the-mexican-gp
Max Verstappen leaves presenter stunned with crude four-word comment during F1 Mexican Grand Prix build-up
Verstappen was participating in a pre-race event with Red Bull team-mate and home hero Sergio Perez.
24 Oct 2024
Ryan Smart
SPORTbible
Max Verstappen left a presenter stunned with a four-word comment during a pre-race event ahead of the Mexican Grand Prix. With five races left to go in the season - as well as two sprint races - the Dutchman is in the metaphorical pole position to claim his fourth consecutive title.
The Mexican Grand Prix is the home race for Verstappen's Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, meaning the pair have taken part in various promotional events in the build-up to the race. One activity saw the pair aim velcro footballs at a large target, with Perez scoring several points from his attempt.
Unfortunately for Verstappen, though, some of his attempts didn't land - causing him to make an amusing comment to the female reporter at the event. He exclaimed: "My balls didn't stick!" The reporter and Perez laughed, before she replied: "Your what?" Perez commented: "You listen too much to what Jorge Campos [Mexican former goalkeeper] says."
‘The female reporter and Perez laughed’;
https://www.sportbible.com/f1/max-ve...54436-20241024
Start time for the 2024 F1 Mexican GP
From Friday, October 25 to Sunday, October 27, the Formula 1 Mexican Grand Prix will take place. Check here for all the F1 start times in Mexico City.
24 Oct 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
We return to the standard format with three practice sessions, qualifying, and the race. Red Bull often performs well in Mexico and will undoubtedly do everything possible this weekend to be faster than title contender McLaren. Can Verstappen, like last week, keep Lando Norris behind him?
Timetable Mexican GP
Session
Date Time
Free practice 1 Friday 25 October 20:30 - 21:30
Free practice 2 Saturday 26 October 00:00 - 01:30
Free practice 3 Saturday 26 October 19:30 - 20:30
Qualification Saturday 26 October 23:00 - 00:00
Race Sunday 27 October 21:00 - 23:00
‘Standard format’;
https://racingnews365.com/start-time...-f1-mexican-gp
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Mexico City GP Preview | Can Verstappen put the final nail in Norris' coffin?
Can Verstappen secure his fourth title? Of course, the rhetorical question is mathematically not possible. However, a fact is that Max Verstappen could leave the Circuit of the Americas with a big smile on his face.
24 Oct 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com
Now, there is a bit less pressure on Red Bull, as they had to deliver at COTA with their upgrades to the RB20. Moreover, rivals can also help Verstappen to a title, given Ferrari's great performance. After a difficult weekend, Mercedes could also now follow Ferrari in getting on top of their upgrade package that can help them to perform.
Now, in Mexico City, there is more stability in the Austrian team as well. Verstappen once again showed why he is a world champion as he defended the attacks from Norris' McLaren very maturely and in an intelligent way, as McLaren could only lick their wounds.
The next circuit will also be one where Red Bull have historically performed well and dealt well with the high altitude. Since 2017, Verstappen only failed to win on one occasion, in 2019, when it was Lewis Hamilton who crossed the finish line in P1. If Verstappen manages to finish ahead of Norris, given his Dutch rival's performance, that can truly be a final nail in the coffin for the British driver.
‘Final nail in Norris' coffin?’
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30842...is-coffin.html
Eddie Jordan shares why he thinks Lando Norris might be ‘one of the best’ to never win an F1 championship
24 Oct 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer
McLaren driver Lando Norris watched his faint hopes of winning the Formula Drivers’ Championship slip further away after the United States Grand Prix. With six Grand Prix remaining going into the race at Austin, Lando Norris knew he needed to make up nearly nine points at every race weekend on Max Verstappen to stand a chance of securing his first title.
Why Eddie Jordan isn’t sure McLaren star Lando Norris will ever be a Formula 1 world champion. Reflecting on how he battled Verstappen at the Circuit of the Americas, Jordan said: “You know, Lando Norris has been brought up by an amazing, lovely, beautiful, caring family. And is there an argument to say that he’s too nice? Yes, possibly.”
“The fact is that Lando Norris will go down in the history books as being one of the most incredibly fastest drivers, possibly not to have won a world championship. And the reason being, he should have been out of sight on several of the races this year, where, there is not a chance Max had the car that he had.”
‘Slip further away’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/edd...-championship/
‘Norris lacks elite mentality of ruthless Verstappen to win F1 title’
In the latest episode of the Total Motorsport F1 Show, David Schiavone questioned whether Lando Norris has the mentality needed to snatch the title from his rival Max Verstappen
24 Oct 2024
Joe Krishnan
Lando Norris does not yet have an elite mentality like the ‘ruthless’ Max Verstappen to win the Formula 1 2024 drivers’ championship, according to an F1 expert. In a special guest appearance on the Total Motorsport F1 Show, editor-in-chief David Schiavone questioned if the Briton has the mentality needed to become a world champion after being outfoxed by Verstappen.
“Max is ruthless. All the best drivers… they’re ruthless, they’re winners,” Schiavone said. “In Hungary, where Norris and [Oscar] Piastri were involved in the ‘will they, won’t they’ over swapping positions, I thought if Norris is to be one of those ruthless drivers, he needs to be saying ‘sorry, I’m winning’. And he didn’t.”
“That for me said a lot, that his mentality is not quite there. Helmut Marko said it last week, he got criticised by Zak Brown this weekend. It’s a mini example that his mentality is not quite at the elite level.” He added: “With Verstappen, this is what he does. He’s in the advantageous position in that if he brakes later, and Norris goes ‘I’m going to crash into him’, Norris is the loser because Max is ahead in the championship,” he said. “So he’ll be like ‘if you crash into me, it’s a win for me’.”
‘Norris lacks elite mentality’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/lan...ppen-f1-title/
McLaren lodges right of review over controversial Norris penalty
Oct 25, 2024
Josh Suttill
The Race
McLaren is petitioning for a right of review into Lando Norris’s five second time penalty for passing Max Verstappen off-track in the 2024 Formula 1 United States Grand Prix. News on Thursday evening that McLaren is asking the FIA for a right of review comes as a shock as, on Sunday, Stella admitted any right of review into the incident would be unlikely to succeed.
The petition for a right of review will be heard at 2.30pm local time in Mexico on Friday via video conference with representatives from both McLaren and Red Bull present. The stewards will determine whether there’s a “significant and relevant new element which was unavailable to the party [McLaren] seeking the review at the time of the decision concerned”. Should McLaren be successful, it will trigger a second part of the hearing that will take place at a later date.
‘McLaren lodges right of review’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/m...us-gp-penalty/
McLaren know Norris’ penalty is likely to stand – so what do they hope to gain?
25th Oct 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans
But do McLaren seriously expect to persuade the stewards that Norris did not deserve a penalty for overtaking Verstappen off-track at turn 12 on lap 52 last weekend? Recent history suggests they shouldn’t.
Date of decision Team Event Incident Outcome
21 June 2019 Ferrari Canadian GP Sebastian Vettel rejoined the track in an unsafe fashion Failed
5 July 2020 Red Bull Austrian GP Lewis Hamilton failed to slow for yellow flags Succeeded
2 May 2021 Alfa Romeo Emilia Romagna GP Kimi Raikkonen failed to re-establish the correct restart order Failed
29 July 2021 Red Bull British GP Lewis Hamilton given a 10-second penalty for colliding with Max Verstappen Failed
9 August 2021 Aston Martin Hungarian GP Sebastian Vettel’s car disqualified for being underweight Failed
19 November 2021 Mercedes Brazilian GP Max Verstappen forced Lewis Hamilton off the track Failed
28 October 2022 Alpine United States GP Haas submitted protest against Fernando Alonso too late Succeeded
19 March 2023 Aston Martin Saudi Arabian GP Fernando Alonso failed to serve a five-second time penalty correctly Succeeded
18 April 2023 Ferrari Australian GP Carlos Sainz Jnr collided with Fernando Alonso Failed
2 July 2023 McLaren Canadian GP Lando Norris penalised for unsportsmanlike driving Failed
9 November 2023 Haas United States GP Track limits breaches Failed
5 May 2024 Aston Martin Chinese GP Fernando Alonso collided with Carlos Sainz Jnr Failed
What new evidence might McLaren have, and how likely is it to produce the desired outcome? New video evidence is unlikely to sway the stewards in this particularly case.
‘What do they hope to gain?’
https://www.racefans.net/2024/10/25/...-hope-to-gain/
Lando Norris’ ‘inexplicable' defence against Max Verstappen scrutinised
Martin Brundle's verdict on the opening lap of the United States Grand Prix between Lando Norris and Max Verstappen.
23 Oct 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.net
Legendary F1 commentator Martin Brundle has described Lando Norris’ attempt at defending the lead from Max Verstappen on the opening lap of the United States Grand Prix as ‘inexplicable’.
Martin Brundle: “At the start of the Grand Prix everyone got away in unison and Norris knew he had to defend the inside line into the first corner. It had worked well for him on this line the day before. Inexplicably he still left reasonable space on the inside and Verstappen wasted no time in filling it."
“They both inevitably ran quite wide on the exit, Norris now off the track. The race director and stewards take a more lenient view on the opening lap as the cars are bound to be in multiple close contact throughout, and the incident wasn't even raised for the stewards to debate.”
‘Lando Norris’ ‘inexplicable' defence’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/105859...en-scrutinised
‘It’s racing’: Max Verstappen sends ‘kindergarten’ message to Lando Norris after US Grand Prix incident
22 Oct 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
Max Verstappen dismisses criticism over Lando Norris tactics at US Grand Prix. Norris said over the radio that he was ‘ahead at the apex’ and pointed out that Verstappen ‘also went off’ in defence. However, the stewards controversially ruled out that he’d left the track and gained an advantage. Addressing the incident in an interview with Canal+, Verstappen insisted ‘we’re not in kindergarten’. He maintained that his tactics constituted fair racing.
In addition to extending his lead to 57 points, he may also have landed a psychological blow. Norris wasn’t able to overtake him cleanly despite a clear pace advantage. “I didn’t push anyone out,” Verstappen said. “We didn’t touch. I tried to make the corner. I was on full lock. It’s racing. We’re not in kindergarten.”
‘Tactics constituted fair racing’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/max...prix-incident/
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Mexico City GP: Russell sets the pace for Mercedes in FP1.
George Russell had a bright start to the Mexico City Grand Prix weekend, setting the top time for Mercedes ahead of Ferrari's Carlos Sainz in Free Practice 1 at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez on Friday.
25/10/2024
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com
Russell finished the 60-minute session three tenths ahead of Sainz by the chequered flag, with Yuki Tsunoda third fastest for RB ahead of Max Verstappen and Nico Hulkenberg. After overcoming a typical bottleneck in the stadium section, it was Mercedes' George Russell who took an early advantage on the session with a time of 1:20.727s keeping him just 0.068s ahead of Red Bull's Sergio Perez.
This was over three seconds off Leclerc's 2023 pole time so there was still plenty more time to come from everyone. Soon Williams' Alex Albon took his turn on point clocking in at 1:19.812s as the track got cleaned up. This was over three seconds off Leclerc's 2023 pole time so there was still plenty more time to come from everyone. Soon Williams' Alex Albon took his turn on point clocking in at 1:19.812s as the track got cleaned up.
Russell also put together a very good lap, posting three purple sectors for a new top time of 1:17.998s which proved six tenths quicker than Sainz and eight tenths ahead of Verstappen, giving Mercedes the early advantage. Many teams seemed to be struggling to turn on the soft tyres with a single warm-up lap.
‘Russell sets the pace’;
https://f1i.com/news/522571-mexico-c...es-in-fp1.html
Mexico City GP: Free Practice 1 Results
26 October 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Full results from Free Practice 1 from the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 63 George Russell Mercedes 23 1:17.998
2 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 25 1:18.315 0.317
3 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB 24 1:18.699 0.701
4 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 14 1:18.839 0.841
5 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 18 1:18.904 0.906
6 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 24 1:18.958 0.960
7 31 Esteban Ocon Alpine 22 1:18.996 0.998
8 77 Valtteri Bottas Sauber 23 1:19.048 1.050
9 30 Liam Lawson RB 25 1:19.093 1.095
10 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 22 1:19.094 1.096
‘Full results’;
https://speedcafe.com/mexico-city-gp...ice-1-results/
Mexico City Grand Prix: F1 free practice 1 results
Oct 25, 2024
Rhiannon Temporal
FormulaNerds
Bearman and Albon collide: A second red flag period is upon us, with Albon and Bearman coming to a stop at Turn 10. There is significant damage to both cars and this will result in an early end to the session for the duo. The Williams has ended up in the barrier, while the Ferrari pulled up a little further around the corner.
Looking at the replays, Albon gets a snap of oversteer as he approaches a slow moving Bearman. The young Brit has clearly tried to get out of the way, but the Thai driver isn’t happy with his placement. Overall, it is a rather unfortunate incident between the pair. This will be a slightly longer red flag period, with the barriers needing to be repaired.
Problems for Verstappen: On the team radio, the reigning world champion reports issues with his engine. The Dutch driver is going slowly and is complaining of a lack of power. With six minutes left in the session, Verstappen returns to the pits. As the battle for the championship continues, could there be trouble on the horizon for Red Bull’s contender?
‘F1 free practice 1 results’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/me.../?nowprocket=1
Verstappen and Albon trigger red flags in heavily disrupted Mexican GP practice
It was not the smoothest of sessions for all concerned in the opening session in Mexico.
25 Oct 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365
It was a session that was red-flagged, however, after just four minutes due to a piece of debris on the track. At that stage, only eight drivers had posted a time, with Verstappen leading the way with a 1:20.970s on the hard compound. It is understood, however, from a radio message from Verstappen, that the debris was a result of him running over something. It resulted in his pit crew working on the car to ensure it was fit to return to the track.
After 22 minutes, the red flags were flying again, this time after a heavy crash involving Williams' Alex Albon. Albon, encountered a snap of oversteer exiting Turn 9, resulting in the right rear of his Williams smacking into the front left of the SF-24, forcing the Thai-British driver into a 360-degree spin that culminated in him crashing into a barrier. Albon described Bearman as an "idiot" over the radio, whilst the young Briton, who will be driving for Haas next year, simply stated, "He hit me!"
‘Red flags in heavily disrupted Mexican GP practice’;
https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...an-gp-practice
Full Mexican Grand Prix FP1 results | Russell takes P1 ahead of Sainz
25 Oct 2024
Olly Darcy
GPblog.com
George Russell set the earlier pace at the Mexican Grand Prix by taking P1 in the first free practice session. The Mercedes driver finished ahead of Carlos Sainz in P2, with the VCARB of Yuki Tsunoda rounding out the top three. In what was an incident-filled session that saw two red flags come out, it resulted in quite a topsy-turvy leaderboard.
However, Russell stayed at the top for the majority of the hour-long session, setting the pace on both the hard tyres as well as the soft tyres, just ahead of the Ferrari of Sainz. Tsunoda managed to find the pace on the soft tyres to move him up to the top three, finishing a tenth of a second quicker than the Red Bull of Max Verstappen, who was forced to finish earlier after he lost power.
Nico Hulkenberg then rounded out the top five in the Haas ahead of a mediocre McLaren of Oscar Piastri. Esteban Ocon and Valtteri Bottas also found their way into the top ten, both ahead of Liam Lawson in the other VCARB. Rounding out the top ten was Sergio Perez, and he will hope to find more pace to give his home fans something to cheer about.
‘Full Mexican Grand Prix FP1 results’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30871...rand-prix.html
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Sainz tops extended Mexico City Grand Prix FP2 as Russell crashes.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz went quickest in a 90-minute second practice session for the 2024 FIA Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix defined by Pirelli tyres testing and halted for a long period following a heavy crash for Mercedes’ George Russell.
26 Oct 2024
Racecars
At the start of the session McLaren’s Lando Norris set the early pace with a time of 1:19.895 using a prototype C5 compound Pirelli tyres designed for use in 2025. Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez then moved well clear with a lap of 1:19.150 set on the same compound.
Norris’ team-mate Oscar Piastri, using the 2024 C4, this weekend’s Medium tyre, then took top spot with a lap of 1:19.030, before Sainz eclipsed that by more than seven tenths of a second, using 2024 C4s to set a time of 1:18.276. He then worked his way down to a time of 1:17.809s before Russell brough the session to a halt.
The Mercedes driver clattered over the kerbs on exit in Turn 8 which caused his W15 to bottom out and he spun off at high speed. Russell hit the barriers hard but the Mercedes driver was fortunately unhurt, though he was taken to the medical centre for checks.
‘Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz went quickest’;
https://www.racecar.com/news/100897/...ussell-crashes
Mexico City GP: Free Practice 2 Results
26 Oct 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Full results from Free Practice 2 from the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 34 1:17.699
2 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 30 1:17.877 0.178
3 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB 30 1:17.878 0.179
4 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 31 1:17.887 0.188
5 4 Lando Norris McLaren 36 1:17.948 0.249
6 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 34 1:18.239 0.540
7 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 36 1:18.279 0.580
8 77 Valtteri Bottas Sauber 32 1:18.351 0.652
9 11 Sergio Perez Red Bull Racing 32 1:18.392 0.693
10 30 Liam Lawson RB 29 1:18.560 0.861
‘Full results from Free Practice 2’;
https://speedcafe.com/mexico-city-gp...ice-2-results/
Mexico City Grand Prix: F1 Free Practice 2 Results
Formula 1 visits Mexico City for the championship's 20th round and the second race of the triple header
Oct 26, 2024
Hannah May
FormulaNerds
Verstappen was out on the circuit and reported that his car still felt weird after his early issues in FP1. The Drivers’ Championship leader said that the brakes were not working properly. He said: “This noise is very disturbing, it can’t be normal.” Red Bull then told the Dutchman to box.
Red Flag: Just over 19 minutes into Free Practice 2, a Yellow Flag was shown – which quickly became a Red Flag – as George Russell hit the barriers at Turn 9 at force. The medical car was deployed due to the amount of g-load on impact. Russell was seen holding his stomach and ribs as he exited the W15. The medical car took him straight to the medical centre.
With 47 minutes remaining, Verstappen was back out on track. However, Red Bull called him back to the pits almost immediately as the issues persisted. Leclerc was on another flying lap and crossed the line with a time good enough to promote him to P4. Norris’ next quick lap attempt contained three yellow sectors, perhaps carrying more fuel at the start of his next practice run. News arrived from the pit lane that Verstappen’s Red Bull was fully stripped apart, including the floor removed. It was likely the end of his session due to the amount of work required.
‘Russell was seen holding his stomach and ribs’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/me.../?nowprocket=1
Mexican GP: Carlos Sainz tops FP2 after heavy George Russell crash
26 Oct 2024
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
Carlos Sainz was the fastest man on track as the teams took to the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez for FP2 of the Mexican Grand Prix. It was an unusual second practice session with an extra 30 minutes added on as the drivers became guinea pigs to test tyres for Pirelli ahead of next season. Even with the extended session, the teams lost out on plenty of running after George Russell brought out the red flag with a little over 10 minutes on the clock.
Once the session did restart, there was a noticeable absence in the form of championship leader Max Verstappen whose FP1 engine troubles continued into the afternoon session. Having gone out for a few laps, Verstappen complained of a strange noise coming from his power unit and despite the lengthy stoppage caused by Russell’s crash, Red Bull were unable to get it fixed before the session end.
Another driver who did not feature was Alex Albon after his collision with Ollie Bearman in FP1. James Vowles told Sky F1 that the team were replacing pretty much the whole car and a job that size was not able to be completed before the end of Friday’s running.
‘The teams lost out on plenty of running’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mexica...024-fp2-report
‘One thing after another’ – Russell left frustrated by second big crash in a week as he spins off in Mexico City
26 Oct 2024
Formula One - Official Site
A dejected George Russell said it is “one thing after another at the moment” for himself and Mercedes after a high-speed crash brought his Friday running at the Mexico City Grand Prix to a premature conclusion. Russell led the way during first practice at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez but lost control of his Mercedes W15 through the Turn 8/9 curves early in second practice.
“I’m okay, definitely felt a bit winded after that one,” Russell said. “Honestly, I don’t know what happened. Just the car started bouncing on the ground and before I even had a chance to catch it, I was already spinning. It seems like it’s one thing after another at the moment. It’s frustrating. FP1 we were very strong, very fast. Tried to take the same line, cutting that corner and for whatever reason on this occasion in FP2 the thing just started going on me.”
‘One thing after another’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...IbChtvs7gwZK1n
Mercedes provide Russell health update after major crash
George Russell suffered a big accident in Free Practice 2 for the Mexican Grand Prix.
26 Oct 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
Mercedes has delivered an encouraging health update on George Russell following his big Mexican Grand Prix practice shunt. Early in FP2 at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Russell got onto the kerb of Turn 9, and span at high-speed into the TecPro barrier on the right-hand side, impacting broadside.
It was his second big accident within a week following his United States GP qualifying accident, with the Briton seen to be holding his ribs after climbing from the car. He was taken straight to the medical centre by the medical centre for a check-up, but has since been released with Mercedes confirming on social media Russell was okay.
"Positive news on George Russell. He has been released from the medical centre and is back with the Team," said the statement. Mercedes reserve driver Andrea Kimi Antonelli is present in Mexico and drove Lewis Hamilton's car in FP1 to fulfill the second of Mercedes' mandatory rookie driver sessions.
"Positive news on George Russell”;
https://racingnews365.com/mercedes-p...er-major-crash
Verstappen's FP2 ends early after problems during Mexican GP weekend
26 Oct 2024
Nicole Mulder
GPblog.com
Max Verstappen finished his second free practice session early. The Red Bull Racing driver got out of his RB20 with over 35 minutes left in the session after persistent problems. Red Bull has since confirmed that Verstappen will not be back in action during this session. " Car 1 will not run again in FP2 as we investigate a PU issue further," reads Red Bull's statement.
Verstappen's early end to FP2 comes after he also reported problems during the first free practice session. There, Verstappen drove over a tool that had fallen onto the tarmac in the pit lane, causing damage to his floor. However, he also came in because of a problem with his power unit, which Red Bull later reported was nothing serious.
‘Verstappen's FP2 ends early’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30881...-problems.html
Horner on possible grid penalty for Verstappen: "You are never safe"
26 Oct 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com
For Max Verstappen, the first day of the Grand Prix weekend in Mexico City ended in disappointment. There were engine problems with his RB20, forcing him to retire early in FP2. Red Bull Racing team boss Christian Horner realises that a grid penalty is a possibility sometime this Formula One season.
Horner on possible grid penalty Verstappen. Prior to the second free practice session, Horner also addressed the possibility of a grid penalty. "I don't think you're ever safe, as we had just seen in the last session [FP1], but hopefully, that's just a small issue. I think it's something, probably more of a question for our engine partner [Honda] as to how comfortable they feel getting to the end of the year. But you're always always on the limit," Horner explained.
‘Horner on possible grid penalty Verstappen’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30884...erstappen.html
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Mexican GP: Oscar Piastri tops the times in McLaren FP3 one-two.
McLaren were the team on top in Mexico with Oscar Piastri setting the quickest FP3 time before the all-important qualifying session.
26 Oct 2024
Sam Cooper
PlanetF1.com
The timings set up what looks to be an intriguing battle for pole with Carlos Sainz making it three podium finishes from the practice sessions while Charles Leclerc was in sixth. Unsurprisingly, George Russell was the first man out on track as the Briton looked to make up for lost time following his heavy crash in FP2.
Overnight, Mercedes used their second of two permitted curfew breaks in order to get Russell’s car ready for the day’s running. Russell’s time of 1:17.341 put him eighth while Lewis Hamilton’s troubles with the car seemed to have subsided somewhat as he went fifth fastest.
Mercedes were not the only ones to break curfew as Red Bull sought to solve the engine issues that plagued Max Verstappen on Friday. Unable to produce a quick fix, the team opted to fit a different engine into the number one car for the rest of the Mexican GP weekend.
‘McLaren FP3 one-two’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/mexica...024-fp3-report
Mexico City GP: Free Practice 3 Results
27 Oct 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Full results from Free Practice 3 from the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff
1 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 16 1:16.492
2 4 Lando Norris McLaren 17 1:16.551 0.059
3 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 20 1:16.832 0.340
4 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 25 1:17.003 0.511
5 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 19 1:17.060 0.568
6 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 23 1:17.232 0.740
7 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB 18 1:17.302 0.810
8 63 George Russell Mercedes 27 1:17.341 0.849
9 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 18 1:17.474 0.982
10 30 Liam Lawson RB 21 1:17.494 1.002
‘Full results from Free Practice 3’;
https://speedcafe.com/mexico-city-gp...ice-3-results/
Mexico GP: Max fourth in final practice session
26 October 2024
Stefan Meens
Verstappen.nl
At the start of the session, Max is one of the first drivers to head out on track after losing valuable running time in FP2 following power unit issues. The Oracle Red Bull Racing driver sets the pace in the opening part of the session during a six-lap stint on the soft Pirelli tyres.
After a quick stop in the pits, Max resumes his running plan with an eleven-lap stint, again on the softs. By this point, the Dutchman has dropped down the order to fourth with Mercedes’ George Russell and the two Ferraris of Sainz and Charles Leclerc having set the quickest times thus far.
With fifteen minutes remaining, the mechanics bolt on a fresh set of softs on Max’s RB20. The reigning champion utilises the extra grip and jumps to the top of the timing sheets. Unfortunately, he cannot enjoy P1 for long as both McLarens and Sainz’s Ferrari usurp Max before the sessions draws to a close with Piastri quickest.
‘Max fourth’;
https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5638/
David Croft shares his ‘understanding’ on possible penalty for Max Verstappen after Red Bull engine change
26 Oct 2024
Tyler Rowlinson
F1 Oversteer
In FP1 in Mexico, Verstappen reported a lack of power in his RB20 and return back to the pits. The 27-year-old ultimately went fourth fastest in the session, but only got to complete 14 laps. Verstappen did not leave the garage at all in FP2 and did not set a time. Heading into Saturday’s practice session, David Croft revealed on the Sky Sports F1 coverage that Red Bull have made an engine change to his car.
As a result, as Croft understands it, the Dutchman is ‘on the limit’ for power unit and could receive a penalty for the Brazilian Grand Prix. “Max Verstappen has taken a new engine out of his pool, one that has been used before, not necessarily brand spanking new, but certainly replacing the one that he had in his car yesterday. An air intake leak was causing them problems down at Red Bull,” said the commentator.
“And my understanding is that they are now right on the limit for power units for the rest of this season and it wouldn’t surprise me at all if a power unit penalty was coming their way, maybe at the next race in Brazil because Karun Chandhok, they don’t want to go to the final three races and have to change engines there and take a penalty, because overtaking is a bit more difficult.”
‘Possible penalty for Max Verstappen’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/dav...engine-change/
Advantage McLaren as Red Bull issues continue in crucial Mexican GP FP3
Oscar Piastri led a McLaren one-two in final practice ahead of this weekend's Mexico City Grand Prix.
26 Oct 2024
Nick Golding
RacingNews365
It is advantage McLaren ahead of qualifying for the Mexico City Grand Prix as Oscar Piastri led Lando Norris in final practice. Piastri topped the hour-long session after setting a 1:16.492s, whilst Norris was 0.059s adrift in second. The Woking-based team appear to be the team to beat, as Carlos Sainz was three-tenths adrift in third.
After a turbulent Friday, Red Bull's issues continued in Saturday's opening session, as Max Verstappen was fourth quickest and half-a-second slower than Piastri. However, the reigning world champion and team-mate Sergio Perez encountered grip problems throughout the session, which Verstappen complained about over the radio.
"Ah, this doesn't **** work," reported Verstappen over the radio. "There's no grip, front and rear." Perez was only P14 and 1.2s adrift in front of his home fans. Third practice was also important for Verstappen and Red Bull after the Milton Keynes-based team had to use parts in the Dutchman's engine pool to repair an issue from Friday.
‘Advantage McLaren’;
https://racingnews365.com/advantage-...mexican-gp-fp3
FP3 Highlights: 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix
26 Oct 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Watch highlights from third practice ahead of the 2024 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.
‘FP3 Highlights’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/fp...06346827032991
-
Sainz flies to Mexican GP pole ahead of Verstappen and Norris.
Carlos Sainz Jnr took pole position for the Mexican Grand Prix after beating Max Verstappen and Lando Norris by two tenths of a second.
26th Oct 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans
Russell and Hamilton sat in third and fourth after their first attempts, while Norris was only in fifth, eight tenths of a second slower than Sainz’s provisional pole time. Verstappen was under pressure to deliver with his final lap and successfully stayed within the white lines to post a 1’16.171, quick enough to beat Leclerc but not fast enough for pole position. Leclerc was unable to match his team mate with his effort, while Norris went third with his second effort.
Sainz went even faster than his own pole lap, taking his time down under the 1’16s to confirm pole position with a 1’15.946 by over two tenths of a second to Verstappen, who will join his former Toro Rosso team mate on the front row. Norris will start third ahead of Leclerc and the two Mercedes of Russell and Hamilton. Magnussen secured seventh place for Haas with Gasly in eighth. Alexander Albon will start ninth on the grid, with Nico Hulkenberg completing the top 10 after losing time on the exit kern at turn 12 on his final lap.
‘Sainz flies to Mexican GP pole’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/10/26/...en-and-norris/
Mexico City GP: Qualifying Results
27 Oct 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Full results from Qualifying from the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Pos Num Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Diff
1 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 1:16.778 1:16.515 1:15.946
2 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 1:16.803 1:16.514 1:16.171 0.225
3 4 Lando Norris McLaren 1:16.505 1:16.301 1:16.260 0.314
4 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 1:16.972 1:16.641 1:16.265 0.319
5 63 George Russell Mercedes 1:17.194 1:16.937 1:16.356 0.410
6 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 1:17.306 1:16.973 1:16.651 0.705
7 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 1:17.125 1:17.003 1:16.886 0.940
8 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1:17.149 1:17.048 1:16.892 0.946
9 23 Alex Albon Williams 1:17.189 1:16.988
10 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 1:17.186 1:16.995
‘Full results from Qualifying’;
https://speedcafe.com/mexico-city-gp...fying-results/
F1 - 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix Post-Qualifying Press Conference Transcript
27.10.24
FIA (Press Release)
TRACK INTERVIEWS
(Conducted by James Hinchcliffe)
Q: We’re joined here by Lando Norris who is going to line up third on the grid tomorrow. Lando, first talk us through your run a little bit. You've had an incredible amount of pace so far through the weekend but did you leave a little bit on the table? Did you get everything you needed out of it in Q3? Lando NORRIS: It's always tough to say but I'm pretty happy with third, honestly. I feel like I got to the limit of the car quite quickly, which made us look good, but I struggled to get a little more out of it in the final two laps. So, Carlos and Max did good laps. They've been, specially Carlos, they’ve been very quick all weekend. Yeah, I'm happy with third.
Q: Another front row start for Max Verstappen. He's won the last three Grand Prix here in Mexico City. You're going to do it from outside of the front row tomorrow. But let's talk about Q3, that first run getting deleted. How much pressure does that put on you to get that second one absolutely perfect with no mistakes? Max VERSTAPPEN: Yeah, quite a lot. I mean, yesterday I barely did any laps, so... Yeah, we were playing a lot of catch-up. FP3 was not very good. So I was already, I think, under a lot of pressure to have a good qualifying, and then, of course, my lap time got taken away, so it added a little bit more pressure. But, yeah, very happy to be on the front row. I honestly didn't expect that to be possible.
Q: Congratulations. Carlos Sainz, sixth career pole position here in Mexico City for Ferrari. What a run you guys have been on. But first, just talk us through that lap? Carlos SAINZ: Yeah, very happy and a great couple of laps. You know, a lot of times around Mexico, you always have the feeling like you cannot put a lap together and it's extremely difficult with how much sliding there is. But today, honestly, my two laps of Q3 were pretty much identical, almost perfect. And yeah, I just put two really solid laps in Q3, enough for pole. And yeah, very happy because that's not normally the case around Mexico with how tricky it is.
‘Post-Qualifying Press Conference Transcript’;
https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-mex...nce-transcript
McLaren boss faults poor ‘execution’ during Mexico GP Qualifying
Lando Norris could only qualify third in Mexico, while Oscar Piastri was knocked out in Q1
27 Oct 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has voiced his concerns over the team’s performance during the 2024 Mexico GP qualifying, suggesting that better execution could have led to pole position. Stella expressed his disappointment with the way McLaren handled the decisive Q3 session, highlighting that the car had the potential for a front-row finish, but performance was left on the table at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
He also mentioned Oscar Piastri’s surprising Q1 exit after a mistake at Turn 12, which further hindered McLaren’s overall performance. “Overall, I would say the car during this qualifying session was competitive and in a condition to score pole position,” Stella explained to Sky Sports F1.
‘Poor execution’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...gp-qualifying/
‘We were just struggling too much’ – Perez identifies ‘main issue’ as he reflects on dispiriting home Q1 exit
26 Oct 2024
Formula One - Official Site
A dejected Sergio Perez pointed the finger at braking issues on his Red Bull RB20 after he suffered an early exit from qualifying on home soil at the Mexico City Grand Prix. “We were just struggling too much with stopping the car,” Perez said after jumping out of the cockpit.
“For example into the low speed I cannot brake, I cannot stop the car, as soon as I attack the braking I start sliding, that is definitely my main issue at the moment, it’s where I’m struggling the most and I think here it shows even more, every time I tried to attack the braking I’m just locking up.” Perez also went on to explain that the problem has “been there for the last three races, where I cannot stop the car."
He continued: “I’m having to modulate quite a lot my braking, and that’s something we can see in the data, but we are not able to fix it at the moment.” Perez admitted he and Red Bull will “discuss all the options” regarding the possibility of starting the race from the pit lane, but was overall deflated at the situation. “It’s obviously the worst place for it to happen, it’s super disappointing,” he said. “Still there is four races to go and we have to get on top of it as a team and I hope tomorrow we can enter to the points, but it’s going to be a very difficult weekend.”
‘We were just struggling too much’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...I4fmMK8BPeVyDZ
Christian Horner's response to Sergio Perez's Mexico GP shocker speaks volumes
Sergio Perez needs a strong result at the Mexican Grand Prix but qualified for his home race down in 18th place as he wilted under the pressure at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez
27 Oct 2024
Daniel Moxon
The Mirror
Christian Horner said it was "massively disappointing" to see Sergio Perez wilt under the pressure in qualifying for his home race. He said: "We need to look into it, but the gap between the two cars is significant. Obviously, it is massively disappointing for him in front of his home crowd, but I am sure he will give it everything he has got tomorrow. He has a lot of work to do."
Perez was glum after trudging from the pit lane to the media pen after the end of Q1 and spoke of his frustrating having wrestled with his uncompliant RB20 to no avail. "I just could not get on top of the car," he lamented. Sky Sports F1 pundit Danica Patrick still believes Perez can redeem himself in the race, however. She said: "Sergio said he needs to get the most out of the car - I do not think we know exactly what that is. Is it Max's level? Is that exactly it, or is it something different? Because [Perez] has not been able to get there.”
"There is going to be an energy on Sunday, the crowd, there are already so many people here cheering for him. That will make a difference and, if he can get up to seventh or eighth, I think that will be a great progress day. He will need to build on that and have a good couple of races to finish the season."
‘So many people here cheering for him’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...exico-33978726
The battle into Turn 1, and Perez and Piastri looking to fight back – What To Watch For in the Mexico City Grand Prix
27 Oct 2024
Chris Medland
Formula One - Official Site
‘What To Watch For’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...3fjZQNhdNFq9O9
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Carlos Sainz wins F1 Mexico City GP, Lando Norris and Max Verstappen clash again.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz dominated to convert pole position into a race win at the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix, as Lando Norris and Max Verstappen clashed again.
28 Oct 2024
Motorsport Week
At the outset, Verstappen aced the launch to pull alongside Sainz and gain the inside line into Turn 1, which handed him the lead as the Ferrari cut across the chicane. The Spaniard ceded the position as he returned to the circuit, with Norris settling into third place in the McLaren while Leclerc maintained fourth in the second Ferrari.
Sainz had been able to close on Verstappen on the main straight, and on Lap 9 he made a spectacular lunge from a distance back to move down the Red Bull’s inside. Verstappen saw it coming and tried to cut back underneath, but despite Sainz clattering the kerb through Turn 2, the Spaniard maintained the position going to Turn 4.
There would be more drama at that exact corner on the next lap as Norris braked late to the inside to pull alongside Verstappen, who pushed the McLaren driver wide. Verstappen, still circling in third with Norris behind, was penalised a second time to put his impending time drop in the race to 20 seconds with less than 25 laps done.
‘Carlos Sainz wins F1 Mexico City GP’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...n-clash-again/
Mexico City GP: Race Results
28 Oct 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Full results from the Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Pos Num Driver Team Laps/Diff
1 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 71
2 4 Lando Norris McLaren 4.705
3 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 34.387
4 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 44.78
5 63 George Russell Mercedes 48.536
6 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 59.558
7 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 63.642
8 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 64.928
9 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 1L
10 10 Pierre Gasly Alpine 1L
‘Full results’;
https://speedcafe.com/mexico-city-gp-race-results/
2024 Mexico City Grand Prix: Verstappen handed two penalties after wheel-to-wheel battle with Norris
28 Oct 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
On Lap 10 Lando Norris went for a move on his championship rival Max Verstappen for second place. The Dutchman defended hard – too hard, according to the stewards who hit him with TWO 10-second penalties for forcing Norris off track.
‘Verstappen handed two penalties’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/20...08293397679972
Emotional Sainz “really needed” second win of season before leaving Ferrari
27th Oct 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans
Mexican Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz Jnr says he is thrilled to have taken another victory in his final season for Ferrari this year. “Honestly, I really wanted this one,” Sainz said. “I really needed it also, for myself. I wanted to get it done. I’ve been saying for a while I wanted one more win before leaving Ferrari and to do it here in front of this mega crowd, it’s incredible. Now there’s four races left, I want to enjoy them as much as possible and if another one comes, I will go for it.”
After an early Safety Car, Sainz caught and passed Verstappen to take the lead into turn one with a bold move and was never headed for the rest of the race. “I didn’t prepare it, to be honest,” he explained. “I was just a bit annoyed at the start and having lost position to him and I thought ‘I need to surprise him one way or another’, because Max is super difficult to pass – he’s proven it many, many times. I was a bit far back, but I said ‘I have nothing to lose, I’m just going to send one down the inside’. I’ve been very confident under braking into turn one this weekend and I knew I could make it.”
‘Emotional Sainz’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/10/27/...aving-ferrari/
Race Highlights: 2024 Mexico City Grand Prix
27th Oct 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Watch highlights from the 2024 Formula 1 Mexico City Grand Prix.
‘Race Highlights’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/ra...08587204365950
F1 Full results | Mexican Grand Prix: Sainz P1, Norris P2, Verstappen P6
27 Oct 2024
Nicole Mulder
GPblog.com
Carlos Sainz takes victory at the Mexican Grand Prix. The Ferrari driver led for the majority of the race, finishing ahead of Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, who finished in P2 and P3, respectively. Max Verstappen was the biggest loser in today's Grand Prix, finishing all the way in P6 after 20 seconds worth of penalties due to dangerous driving while defending from Norris, forcing the McLaren driver off the track.
‘Sainz P1, Norris P2, Verstappen P6’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30935...rand-prix.html
2024 Mexico City Grand Prix: Sainz crosses the line to take his second victory of the season
27 Oct 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Carlos Sainz takes the chequered flag to seal victory in Mexico for Ferrari.
‘Sainz crosses the line’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/20...06674478115698
Max sixth in Mexican GP: 'Biggest problem was the race pace'
28 Oct 2024
Misha van der Kroon
Verstappen.nl
After the race, Max was asked about the time penalties. He answered: “The problem is that when you are slower, you are put in that kind of difficult situations. I’m not going to give up easily. At the end of the day, it is not about agreeing or disagreeing on the penalty, twenty seconds is quite a lot. But the biggest problem of today is the race pace. We have to analyse it, because even without the penalties, we had no change at all to fight at the front.”
Max also briefly looks ahead to the next race in Sao Paulo, Brazil. “This was a bad day for us, but I know we can do much better than this. So, we just keep going at it. Austin was promising, but here it was really off. I just hope that in Brazil, we can be more competitive.”
'Biggest problem was the race pace';
https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5640/
Horner delivers Verstappen verdict after penalties: 'Very dangerous territory'
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner felt the double penalty for Max Verstappen was "harsh".
28 Oct 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365
Asked for his view on the incidents on Sky Sports F1, Horner said: "Max didn't leave the track at Turn 4, and then at [Turn] 7, Lando opened the door very late, and they both ran off there. "The problem is, I think we're going to get into very dangerous territory of at what point is a divebomb going to be okay. I think the FIA and the drivers need to sit down and decide what is acceptable and what isn't. I thought two 10-seconds [penalties] was a bit on the harsh side."
As to whether he needed to speak to Verstappen about his style of racing, Horner swerved the question to an extent. "You've always got to play to the rules, and we'll look and learn from this race," he added. "More important for us to understand today is we just didn't have the pace. We had good pace in quali yesterday but our race pace was nowhere compared to Ferrari and McLaren, so that's really where our focus will be over the next five days."
"Harsh";
https://racingnews365.com/horner-del...rous-territory
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Sainz felt he ‘deserved’ one final win with Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz achieved on Sunday a deeply meaningful victory in the Mexico City Grand Prix, one that marks a significant moment in his final season with Ferrari.
27/10/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com
Reflecting on his emotions after the race, Sainz emphasized the importance of concluding his four-year tenure with Ferrari on a high.
"It's just a matter of that I think everyone knew I wanted one more race win with Ferrari. I felt like I also deserved it," Sainz said. "I've been driving well all year and I've been pushing flat out, keeping my motivation high even in a difficult circumstance, and wanting to give everything for this team.”
"I felt like I drove some really good races and one more I had to win. Eventually, it happened and it had to be in Mexico, in front of my family, which is great. It doesn't mean that I'm not going to try and win more. But it had to be here."
‘One final win’;
https://f1i.com/news/522982-sainz-fe...h-ferrari.html
Sainz explains brave maneouvre on Verstappen: 'It surprised him a bit!'
28/10/2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com
"I felt like this weekend was going to be a very good opportunity to win that race," Sainz began at the press conference. "I had a very good feeling coming into the weekend. Also, obviously very determined to win it. I knew coming into it that we might have a chance to win. And I've been focused, been on it all weekend. On top of that, I knew my family was coming and my best friends, my girlfriend, a lot of people were here to support me."
Verstappen could get off the line better than Carlos Sainz in Mexico, but the Spaniard managed to retake the lead. After he found himself in P1 again, he did not look back again. "Probably catching him a bit by surprise because I was quite far back but before Turn 1 I got a really good tow on DRS, but I saw that I was probably going to be a bit too far back. But then right in the last 100 metres, I felt like I had a good momentum and I've been feeling very confident braking into Turn 1 this weekend. The car has been giving me good confidence to brake late there and I just went for it and it happened," the Spaniard explained his overtake.
‘Brave maneouvre’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30945...y-gp-2024.html
DRIVER OF THE DAY: Supreme Sainz drive earns your Mexico City vote
28/10/2024
Formula One - Official Site
What a weekend for Carlos Sainz. His first pole position of the year on Saturday and then a superb drive for his second win of the season on Sunday. His time at Ferrari may be drawing to a close, but the Spaniard is certainly showing them what they'll be missing when he departs for Williams in 2025. Here’s how the voting broke down…
Carlos Sainz - 27.2%
Lando Norris - 12.3%
Max Verstappen - 9.2%
Franco Colapinto - 8.1%
Charles Leclerc - 7.4%
‘Supreme Sainz drive’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...2wkUhYnX8J0VAv
Vasseur: Sainz's 'perfect drive' and 'perfect weekend'
27 Oct 2024
Sky Sports
Fred Vasseur praises Carlos Sainz for his 'perfect drive and perfect weekend' for Ferrari after he claimed victory at the Mexico City GP
‘Fred Vasseur praises Carlos Sainz’;
https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...erfect-weekend
Sainz: ‘I was determined to win one more before the end of the season’
28/10/2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Carlos Sainz was beaming after he raced to victory for Ferrari in Mexico City.
‘Determined’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/sa...09050815524237
Ferrari happy to fly under the Formula One radar in team title fight, says Fred Vasseur
Oct 27, 2024,
The Straits Times
MEXICO CITY – Ferrari are in a perfect situation flying under the radar in the battle for the Formula One constructors’ title, team principal Fred Vasseur said, after Carlos Sainz took pole position at the Mexico City Grand Prix on Oct 26. Following a one-two finish last weekend in Texas, the Italian team trail defending champions Red Bull by only eight points and are 48 points behind leaders McLaren.
With Sainz starting ahead of Red Bull’s championship leader Max Verstappen and McLaren’s Lando Norris, and with Charles Leclerc in fourth, Ferrari are the only title contenders with both cars inside the top 10 for the Oct 27 race, which took place after press time.
‘Fly under the Formula One radar’;
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...s-fred-vasseur
‘I really wanted this one’ – Sainz overjoyed as he achieves goal of ‘one more win’ before Ferrari exit with Mexico masterclass
27 Oct 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Carlos Sainz was full of smiles after the Mexico City Grand Prix as the Ferrari driver avoided the drama around him to convert a spectacular pole position into a statement victory.
Ferrari’s points haul moves them above Red Bull and up to second in the constructors’ standings, with leaders McLaren only 29 points ahead – Leclerc underlining their desire to end a title drought that stretches back to 2008.
“We are working super well as a team,” Leclerc added. “I think it’s been quite a few races now that we’re coming back to the level we should be at. It’s amazing to see. Obviously the constructors’ is still our target and with weekends like this we are getting closer to it. I hope we can continue in that direction and get that constructors’ title, which is very important.”
‘Constructors is still our target’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...BD0hIXrla9S6P4
-
Red Bull's unusual telemetry reveal in defence of Verstappen.
Horner arrived at his usual post-race media session armed with telemetry showing data from Turn 4 of Norris's fastest lap of the grand prix compared to the same corner on the lap he clashed with Verstappen.
Oct 28, 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
"It was very harsh to give two 10-second penalties," said Horner. "I think there's something more fundamental. There's been a reaction to last weekend, and I think it's very important for the stewards and the drivers to sit down, because if I show you here on the GPS [showing the run down to Turn 4], what you can see is that the orange line is Lando's fastest lap of the grand prix, [from] the point he is braking for Turn 4 and then obviously executing the corner.”
"What you can see is that on lap whatever it was that's been the incident with Max, he is 15km/h faster, and later on the brakes, than his fastest lap of the grand prix. He wouldn't have made the corner. He would have run off track. You can see from his onboard steering. And of course at this point of the race he's got probably 80kg more fuel than at the point that he's done his fastest lap."
‘Lando Norris's McLaren, 15km/h faster, and later on the brakes, than his fastest lap of the grand prix. He wouldn't have made the corner’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/r...is-mexican-gp/
Christian Horner presents ‘15km/h’ GPS data claim about Lando Norris’s driving
Red Bull boss makes Lando Norris data claim to argue against Max Verstappen's double penalty in Mexico.
28 Oct 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Christian Horner brought data to argue against Max Verstappen’s penalties at the F1 Mexico City Grand Prix, but confirmed Red Bull will not appeal the decisions. Verstappen was handed two 10-second penalties for forcing F1 title rival Lando Norris off track on two occasions on the same lap during Sunday’s race at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez.
After running Norris wide at Turn 4, a lunge on the McLaren driver caused both to once again go off the circuit at Turn 7. Verstappen recovered to finish sixth but saw his championship advantage shrink to 47 points over Norris, who claimed second. Red Bull team principal Horner presented to media including Crash.net a data print out claiming to reveal that Norris had carried more speed into Turn 4 when battling Verstappen than at any other point in the race.
‘15km/h GPS data claim’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/105919...orriss-driving
Marko points to the stewards after Verstappen's penalty: 'Making example'
28 Oct 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com
Marko: 'Penalty was harsh': "I think the second ten-second penalty was a very harsh decision, but you have to accept it, what the stewards are doing and that's it, but on the other side we had a problem on Friday, so we didn't have any long runs on this hard tyre or on the medium tyre, so if the race would have been normal the maximum would have been P3 or P4. So we just didn't have the speed," Marko told Viaplay after the race.
According to the top advisor, Verstappen should not have done anything differently in his battle against Lando Norris. "No, I think with all these discussions about the incident in Austin, I think they tried to make an example, and as I said, it was too harsh, the two penalties," the Austrian concluded.
'Making example';
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30944...erstappen.html
Max Verstappen: Red Bull boss Christian Horner says penalties 'very harsh' in Lando Norris incidents and makes data defence
28 Oct 2024
Sky Sports
Christian Horner suggests telemetry data shows Lando Norris would not have made the corner himself in the first of two controversies and calls for swift improvement to driving guidelines.
Speaking in his post-race briefing with the written media in Red Bull's hospitality unit, Horner took particular issue with Verstappen's first 10-second penalty which stewards said was because the Dutchman had forced Norris off the track at Turn Four.
The Red Bull team principal used print-outs of telemetry traces from that corner comparing how the Briton's approach to the corner on that lap compared with his fastest of the race and suggested the McLaren would not have stayed on the track himself on lap 10 with the speed he was carrying.
‘Calls for swift improvement to driving guidelines’;
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12...s-data-defence
Max Verstappen points finger at Red Bull after Mexico GP penalty
Max Verstappen was handed two 10-second penalties for incidents with Lando Norris at the 2024 Mexico GP
28 Oct 2024
Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport
“Honestly, 20 seconds is a lot but I’m not going to cry about it, and I’m also not going to share my opinion,” Verstappen told members of the press, including Total-Motorsport.com. “We didn’t touch, we’re just racing hard. The biggest problem that I have is that today was a bad day in terms of race pace, that was quite clear again on the mediums and on the hard tyres.”
“I felt that turn four was a bit more of like a question mark. Turn seven is what it is. That’s it. Honestly, those two things are also not my problem. The problem is that we are too slow, and that’s why I’m being put in those kind of positions, that is my problem. I just drive how I think I have to drive. Last week that was alright, this week, 20 20-second penalty. It is what it is, life goes on. It’s also not in my interest. I just keep racing.”
“To get back to sixth was all right. But then I couldn’t even fight the Mercedes cars in front,” Verstappen added. “I just had no grip. I was just sliding a lot, I couldn’t brake. So yeah, it was very tough one. Austin was more promising, here again it was a bit more tough, so it’s a bit odd, but a few things to look at and hopefully, of course, Brazil we can be more competitive. Still 47 points [championship margin] so hopefully we could just be a little bit more competitive.”
“20 seconds is a lot but I’m not going to cry about it”;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...co-gp-penalty/
Lando Norris' Team Radio After Max Verstappen Forced Him Off Track
28 Oct 2024
Nick Sutherland
Give Me Sport
At the time of the controversy, Norris was clearly fuming with Verstappen, even fearing that he could be seriously injured, as audio from his team radio revealed. Lando Norris was Furious After Being Forced Off the Track By Max Verstappen, 'I'm going to end up in a wall,' exclaimed the McLaren star.
Relaying his immediate reaction to his team, Norris held nothing back. "I was ahead the whole way through the corner. This guy is dangerous. I just have to avoid a crash. It's the same as last time. I'm going to end up in a wall in a minute! Yeah, he overtook off the track and pushed me off!"
'I'm going to end up in a wall';
https://www.givemesport.com/norris-v...dio-mexico-f1/
Windsor can't understand the stewards: 'Verstappen did nothing wrong there'
28 Oct 2024
Jarlo van der Vloed
GPblog.com
Peter Windsor has been critical of the two incidents between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris at the Mexican Grand Prix. "In the first one, Max didn't actually go off the track. Max just used all the road and in my book if you’re on the inside, you are entitled to use all the road."
"If the guy wants to try and pass you on the outside, then so be it. But of course, that isn't the rulebook. I think from Max's point of view, it was not very good judgement really. It was pretty clear, after what happened in Austin, that the logical thing would've been then to drop back and give Lando the position. But he didn't," Windsor said.
The two drivers clashed again on lap 11. Now it was Verstappen who was the attacking driver. He made an overtaking attempt at turn seven, with both drivers going off track. Again, Verstappen received a 10-second time penalty for this. Unlike the first incident, this one was fully justified, according to Windsor: "Then I think he made a big mistake. He went into the esses, into turn 7, the first left, where you never pass. Lando was sort of in the middle of the road and Max went BOOM down the inside."
'Verstappen did nothing wrong there';
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30960...erstappen.html
-
Hamilton reveals how Mercedes improved the balance of his W15 during the race.
Having battled with his team-mate George Russell all through the second half of the race, Lewis Hamilton has revealed that a tweak to the front wing of his car completely changed his feeling behind the wheel of his W15.
28 Oct 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical
Reflecting on his race, Hamilton noted: "We ultimately moved forward and brought home good points today for the team. We weren’t looking so racy in the first stint; I didn’t have enough front-wing in the car and was suffering with lots of understeer.”
"We were able to improve the balance at our second stop and our pace got better. Even if we had enjoyed that speed in the first stint though, we still wouldn’t have had the pace to challenge those ahead for the podium. P4 and P5 is still slightly better than we predicted today though so we can be pleased with our afternoon.”
"This hasn’t been the smoothest weekend for the team, but we’ve gathered a lot of information across both specifications. We can now analyse that data and evaluate the best way forward for next weekend in Brazil and the rest of the season. Hopefully we can get the car in a slightly better spot for Interlagos and take the fight to the Ferraris and McLarens."
‘Improved the balance of his W15’;
https://www.f1technical.net/news/25729
Lewis Hamilton blames front wing misjudgement for “really bad” opening stint
Lewis Hamilton reflects on a "fun" race at the Mexico City Grand Prix.
28 Oct 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Reflecting on the race in Mexico, Hamilton said: “Yeah, it was fun. I had fun today. I had a good start, I had a really bad first stint, took too much front wing out of the car, I had massive, massive understeer.”
“I was like, damn. Because you have to basically guesstimate where you're going to be with the front wing, and I had a lot less than George [Russell]. But the laps to the grid, it felt like it was the right thing, and it was clearly not.”
“And after my stop, I was able to rectify it, and then after that I had a much better pace, and I was able to push and keep going, and we stopped a little bit early as well, compared to what I had planned and stuff. We got good points.”
‘Front wing misjudgement’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/105921...-opening-stint
Russell’s race performance compromised by front wing damage
28/10/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Mercedes’ trackside engineering director Andrew Shovlin reckoned that a bump hit by Russell had caused the collapse of one of the wing’s flaps. “George was hindered when the front wing flap collapsed after he hit a bump during an overtake at the start of the second stint,” Shovlin explained.
“Despite that, he still maintained good enough pace to bring it home in fifth. We let the drivers race each other throughout, but that meant that Lewis’ tyres were past their best once he made it into clear air.”
‘Performance compromised’;
https://f1i.com/news/523122-russells...ng-damage.html
Transcript: Toto Wolff, Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team
October 28, 2024
Barry Ritholtz
The Big Picture (Weblog)
00:00:15 [Speaker Changed] What can I say about this week’s guest, Toto Wolf. Principal, CEO of Mercedes Formula one race team. What an incredible career. From a winning racer to an investor and venture capitalist to a, a person who just kind of became a principal at Williams. And then eventually after that team, surprisingly began to win, got recruited over to Mercedes where he has put together a fantastic track record.
00:01:40 [Speaker Changed] So yeah, I was born and raised in Vienna and went to the Vienna University of Economics, but actually raced in junior formulas at the time and wanted to be a race driver. And when that ended abruptly run out of money and we had a very bad spell of accidents in Formula One. So I lost a sponsor. I decided I’m gonna quit both. I’m gonna quit Uni Uni and I’m gonna quit racing and launch myself into, you know, working.
‘Put together a fantastic track record’;
https://ritholtz.com/2024/10/transcr...olff-mercedes/
Lewis Hamilton makes confession after Mexico GP with Mercedes off Ferrari pace
Lewis Hamilton qualified sixth and finished fourth at the Mexican Grand Prix, benefitting from penalties for Max Verstappen before overtaking Mercedes team-mate George Russell
28 Oct 2024
Daniel Moxon
The Mirror
Lewis Hamilton: "I am really grateful for that and happy with the performance in general. I got a good start and then I had a lot of understeer because... my fault, but I took too much front wing out of the car. And I had knocked out the front tyres basically in that first stint. After the changes, after the pit stop, [it was] much, much better.”
"But it was a really, really insightful and informative race because I could feel exactly where the car was working and where it was not. It is very, very clear in my mind where the car is giving up and I could see the difference between George and I when I am behind.”
"So it will be interesting to see... they have now all of this information from both of our cars running. So good points, good data for both of us and hopefully [it will] put us in a better position for the next race."
‘Confession’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ssell-33984725
Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes Mexico battle highlighted F1 package differences
28 Oct 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week
“We got a lot of information,” Hamilton told select media including Motorsport Week post-race. “I could see on his car where he was better than me, and I’m sure hopefully he’ll be able to see where he’s better than me.”
“Package-wise, hopefully [the team has] lots of data, so we’ll figure out who starts what next race.” The past two weekends have been difficult for Mercedes to gauge where the upgrades are.
‘Package differences’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...e-differences/
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How Ayao Komatsu is leading a Haas renaissance.
Currently 6th in the standings, Haas are on track for their best F1 season since 2018. In less than a year since becoming team principal, Ayao Komatsu has transformed Haas into one of the best midfield teams.
Oct 28, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports
Speaking after Magnussen and Hulkenberg’s fantastic results in Mexico (P7 and P9 respectively) the Japanese team principal gave his verdict: “I don’t know what to say, it’s another amazing result for this team. I’m so happy that everyone’s hard work is paying off, with the updates and the car getting better.”
“I’m so happy for Kevin, he drove very well in Austin, but we couldn’t quite deliver on Sunday. But this weekend he had an amazing qualifying – today everyone delivered. His pace in the second stint was unbelievable, he was catching Verstappen in his Red Bull and was finishing just four seconds behind.”
“That was probably the best I’ve seen Kevin drive, I’m so happy for him. In a way, Nico being disappointed with P9 is a great sign for the team as well.”
“So happy that everyone’s hard work is paying off”;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...s-renaissance/
‘I’m finding my rhythm again’ – Magnussen overjoyed with ‘perfect day’ in Mexico after Haas secure double points finish
28 Oct 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Speaking after the race, Magnussen said: “It was a perfect day really, we got everything right. The balance in the car was just in that sweet spot and I was able to just really manage the tyres and push hard – manage the tyres when I needed to and push them when I needed to as well.”
“P7 was better than we could have hoped for because we had Piastri cruising through the field and it didn’t happen, so I was able to just about manage to keep him behind. The last year or so has been tough. I feel like I’m finding my rhythm again here and it’s nice. Hopefully we can finish off this year and just really nail some points finishes in these last four races.”
‘Rhythm again’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...2XZLm42FWOpnNs
Mexico City Grand Prix: Race Recap
Oct 27, 2024
Haas F1 Team - Official Site
MoneyGram Haas F1 Team finished with Kevin Magnussen seventh and Nico Hulkenberg ninth, at the Mexico City Grand Prix, Round 20 of the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, held Sunday at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez.
Magnussen started from a season-best seventh on the grid on Pirelli P Zero Yellow medium tires and preserved his position throughout the course of the opening stint. Magnussen remained in sight of the Mercedes drivers before coming in on lap 30 of 71, switching onto White hard tires, cycling back through into seventh once the rest of the pack also stopped. Magnussen faced pressure from the recovering Oscar Piastri in the closing stages but kept the McLaren driver at bay to record seventh place – collecting his best result of the 2024 campaign.
Hulkenberg took the start from 10th on the grid and avoided a collision that accounted for Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon to slot into eighth place. Hulkenberg came in for his sole pit stop on lap 29, taking on hard tires, and worked back through to eighth, before ceding a spot to Piastri. Hulkenberg nonetheless came home in ninth to secure a double points finish for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team.
‘Race Recap’;
https://www.haasf1team.com/news/mexi...x-race-recap-2
‘It was a perfect day’ – Magnussen beaming after P7 in Mexico
27 Oct 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Kevin Magnussen sealed his best F1 result in two years in Mexico for Haas and said his P7 was “better than we could have hoped for.”
‘Perfect day’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/it...08202371816246
Magnussen was catching Verstappen at end of “unbelievable” drive – Komatsu
28th October 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Komatsu said he was “so happy for Kevin,” who will leave the team at the end of the season and doesn’t have a drive for next year yet.
“He drove very well in Austin, but we couldn’t quite deliver on Sunday, but this weekend he had an amazing qualifying,” said Komatsu. “Today everyone delivered.
“His pace in the second stint was unbelievable, he was catching Verstappen in his Red Bull and was finishing just four seconds behind. That was probably the best I’ve seen Kevin drive, I’m so happy for him.”
Magnussen was also quick enough to prevent Oscar Piastri from catching him before the end of the race.
“Unbelievable”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/10/28/...drive-komatsu/
São Paulo Grand Prix: Race Preview
Oct 29, 2024
Haas F1 Team - Official Site
Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal: “Interlagos is a very technical and dynamic circuit which has a great flow to it. The location has amazing history and atmosphere, and the racing is often great. Of course, being a part of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, Interlagos is also special as this is the track where we qualified on pole for the Sprint with Kevin in 2022. We’re looking forward to coming back to Brazil and conclude this triple-header with another strong points finish.”
Nico Hulkenberg: “The São Paulo Grand Prix is steeped in history, it’s everywhere, and that’s still very special to experience as a Formula 1 driver. The Senna S down to Turn 4 is phenomenal to drive and the Brazilian carnival environment all weekend, is a highlight at the end of a triple-header. It’s been a run of four consecutive points-scoring races for me with the Sprint, so I’m looking to extend that in Brazil.”
Kevin Magnussen: “Of course I’ve got some good memories from Brazil. The pole position we got there in 2022 is always going to be very clear in my mind and it’s probably the best day at work I’ve had in Formula 1. I love the location and the atmosphere. Every place we go to has a unique feel with the fans, but in Brazil there’s the football stadium nearby and that culture is engrained in them, so when fans go to the Formula 1 race, you feel that atmosphere.”
‘Race Preview’;
https://www.haasf1team.com/news/sao-...x-race-preview
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Max Verstappen Set For Five-Place Grid Drop In Brazil.
On top of his Mexico GP penalties and lagging car pace, championship leader Max Verstappen’s troubles are about to get even worse.
Oct 29, 2024
F1 Chronicle
It is now almost certain that the Red Bull driver will need to move down the grid at the Brazilian GP this weekend due to needing a fresh power unit. Verstappen, whose lead points lead over Lando Norris shrunk from 57 to 47 points on Sunday, suffered engine trouble in both practice sessions in Mexico.
The team had to change that engine and replace it with another from his official allocation. “The engine we put in it was no longer suitable for racing,” revealed Red Bull advisor Dr Helmut Marko. “We were so slow on the straights. So we will take an extra engine,” he told ORF. “This will most likely happen in Brazil.”
‘Five-Place Grid Drop’;
https://f1chronicle.com/max-verstapp.../?nowprocket=1
Lando Norris given F1 title boost with Max Verstappen set for Brazil Grand Prix grid penalty
Oct 28, 2024
Callum McAvoy
Metro.co.uk
‘We were nowhere near the two front teams, and I guess part of the problem is that Friday, we couldn’t drive because of the engine problems,’ Marko said. ‘We have to do something, that’s clear. We also will have a change the engine because we had been so slow on the straight.’
‘This engine, which was in the car, was not supposed to be in the car, so most likely Brazil could happen. The engine we had in there was no longer intended for the race, and the older an engine gets, the more its performance diminishes.’
‘The penalty would be five places. That wouldn’t be so severe in Brazil, for example, where you can overtake relatively easily. But we saw that we were missing three to eight km/h on the straights.’
‘Lando Norris given F1 title boost’;
https://metro.co.uk/2024/10/28/lando...o=newsnow-feed
Marko says drastic decision might be made at 'difficult' Brazilian GP
29 Oct 2024
Nicole Mulder
GPblog.com
Marko confirms: 'Possible grid penalty for Verstappen in Brazil': Red Bull had to change Verstappen's engine for a previous one in Mexico City after FP2, as the Dutch driver had issues. As a result, Verstappen was slower during the rest of the weekend, Marko told Sky Sports DE.
"The engine setting was not optimal and we did not have the full power from the battery. We were generally slow on the straights. We missed three to five km/h. It was a very old engine and the older the engine, the more the power decreases. However, the biggest problem was that we couldn't get the tyres to the right temperature," the Austrian advisor explained.
‘Drastic decision’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30972...erstappen.html
Wolff pessimistic about Mercedes' chances in Brazil: "It will be difficult"
30 Oct 2024
Olly Darcy
GPblog.com
Previewing the penultimate sprint weekend of the 2024 season at Interlagos, Wolff admitted to some lacklustre performances since returning from the autumn break: "The past two races in Austin and Mexico City have not been our cleanest so we are aiming for a smoother weekend at Interlagos. Despite the challenges in the US and Mexico, we have furthered our learning with the W15. Whilst we are still focused on maximising our results each and every weekend, testing and learning will be valuable in setting us up strongly for 2025. We will continue that approach this weekend in Brazil."
So with one eye set on testing and data collecting for next season, will we see any improvement in closing the gap to the front of the grid? "We know it will be difficult to challenge the Ferraris and the McLarens who have looked strong in recent races. We will still be working hard to do so though, and will see where our relative performance is over the weekend," Wolff concluded.
‘Wolff pessimistic’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30977...-mercedes.html
Schedule F1 Brazilian Grand Prix 2024
This weekend, the Formula 1 São Paulo Grand Prix will take place. Want to know exactly what time the sessions start in São Paulo? Check below.
29 Oct 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
The schedule of the F1 Brazilian GP is automatically adjusted to your time zone.
Timetable Mexican GP
Session Date Time
Free practice 1 Friday 25 October 20:30 - 21:30
Free practice 2 Saturday 26 October 00:00 - 01:30
Free practice 3 Saturday 26 October 19:30 - 20:30
Qualification Saturday 26 October 23:00 - 00:00
Race Sunday 27 October 21:00 - 23:00
‘Brazilian Grand Prix’;
https://racingnews365.com/schedule-f...rand-prix-2024
F1 2024 Brazilian GP Schedule and F1 Start Times
Find out when the 2024 Brazilian GP takes place, including the F1 session times for practice, sprint qualifying, the sprint race and the Grand Prix
29 Oct 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport
Interlagos is notorious for impacting title dreams—often throwing curveballs that shake up the standings from late-season drama to unexpected upsets and the Brazilian GP could well throw the F1 2024 title where every point counts, and every lap is a showdown.
The Brazilian GP isn’t just another race; it’s an event where legends are born, rivalries are cemented, and history is made so get ready to witness one of the most thrilling races of the year in a high-stakes setting where anything can happen.
Find out the F1 session times for the 2024 Brazilian GP for fans living in the UK, USA and Australia.
Session Day UK (GMT) USA (ET) USA (PT) Australia (AEST)
FP1 Fri 14:30-15:30 10:30-11:30 07:30-08:30 01:30-02:30*
Sprint Qualifying Fri 18:30-19:14 14:30-15:14 11:30-12:14 05:30-06:14*
Sprint Race Sat 14:00-15:00 10:00-11:00 07:00-08:00 01:00-02:00*
Qualifying Sat 18:00-19:00 14:00-15:00 11:00-12:00 05:00-06:00*
Grand Prix Sun 17:00 13:00 10:00 04:00*
* indicates the following day.
‘Schedule and F1 Start Times’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...e-start-times/
What happened last time out in Brazil? Recap a record-breaking 2023 race
29 Oct 2024
Olly Darcy
With just four more races remaining in the 2024 Formula 1 season, the F1 circus will arrive in Sao Paulo for the always-entertaining Brazilian Grand Prix. This year's Grand Prix will also be a sprint race weekend, as was last year's, which saw a surprise as to who took pole. However, for the rest of the weekend, it was dominated by the man who dominated proceedings in 2023: Max Verstappen.
Thanks to Lando Norris, the Grand Prix at Interlagos was not a total clean sweep by Verstappen. In fact, a Carlos Sainz P1 in the only practice session of the weekend meant that Verstappen would not have a total clean sweep straight away. However, the Dutchman turned it on for qualifying later in the day. In a rain-affect session, he finished three-tenths clear of Charles Leclerc in P2, with the Aston Martin of Lance Stroll coming in third in front of teammate Fernando Alonso.
However, in the sprint shootout on Saturday, Verstappen could not get to the front of the grid as he was beaten out by +0.061 of a second by Norris to give himself P1 for the sprint race later in the day. The Red Bulls of Verstappen and Sergio Perez came next, and then George Russell and Lewis Hamilton took P4 and P5, respectively.
‘Recap a record-breaking 2023 race’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30978...sao-paulo.html
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F1 drivers to face 'completely unknown' factor in Brazilian GP.
Pirelli believes F1 drivers will be facing an "unknown challenge" in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after the Interlagos track was resurfaced and water-blasted.
30 Oct 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
The 4.3km track has undergone a complete resurfacing ahead of the 2024 race, which is also a sprint weekend, but to avoid the side-effects of a brand-new track surface - the oils, or bitumen, it has been water-blasted.
This has increased the abrasiveness of the track surface, with Pirelli set to bring its C3-C4-C5 tyres to act as the hard, medium and soft compounds. This is a step softer than in the 2023 season when the C2-C3-C4 rubber was brought.
"Unknown challenge";
https://racingnews365.com/f1-drivers...n-brazilian-gp
Two F1 manufacturers found guilty of breaching rules as punishment handed ahead of Brazil GP
30 Oct 2024
Tom Jenkins
SPORTbible
Honda and Alpine have been found guilty of breaching the FIA's engine cost cap rules with both manufacturers handed an immediate punishment. Both Alpine and Honda submitted totals under the $95m (£74m) limit for 2023, the first year that the regulations have been in place, however, they have now accepted they breached the cost cap rules.
Honda currently supplies power units to both Red Bull and RB but will exclusively become Aston Martin's engine supplier in 2026 when the new regulations come into play. Meanwhile, Red Bull will partner with Ford in 2026 and Alpine will stop making engines altogether and become a customer team to Mercedes if reports are to be believed.
The punishment for both manufacturers is already confirmed with Honda paying a $600,000 fine (£462,000), while Alpine's fine amounts to $400,000 (£308,000). This comes after both manufacturers settled for a so-called 'Accepted Breach Agreement with the FIA.'
‘Guilty of breaching rules’;
https://www.sportbible.com/f1/manufa...82061-20241030
Lewis Hamilton hints at Mercedes swap offer that could change his fate at Brazilian GP
Lewis Hamilton has indicated Mercedes could be prepared to make a significant change for the F1 Brazilian Grand Prix.
Oct 30, 2024
Joe Krishnan
Daily and Sunday Express
Lewis Hamilton has indicated Mercedes are preparing to give his upgraded car to George Russell for the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos this weekend. Russell crashed in qualifying at the last United States Grand Prix and his shunt caused damage to the new W15 parts he had fitted. As a result, Mercedes were forced to send the upgrades back to the Brackley factory to repair them and had only one other spare set to fit.
And with only one set of parts available, Russell remained on the same package that was brought to Silverstone earlier this season. They opted to not to fit the repaired parts for the Mexican GP, while Hamilton enjoyed the new specification as he claimed fourth place ahead of his team-mate.
But Mercedes chief Toto Wolff hinted Hamilton felt more comfortable using the previous setup, which could see them swap heading to Brazil for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend - something Hamilton expected after their enticing battle in Mexico City.
‘Mercedes swap offer’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ian-GP-F1-news
Max previews Brazilian GP: 'Need to do everything we can'
30 Oct 2024
Niels Hendrix
Verstappen.nl
Max Verstappen, who finished sixth in Mexico, reflects on last weekend and says: “Mexico was a race to forget, but we know that we can do better and are working hard to figure out what went wrong so we can improve our form for the final few races. We need to do everything we can to be more competitive and come back stronger to a place and to where we know we can be.”
Looking forward to the upcoming weekend, the Dutch Oracle Red Bull Racing driver adds: “Brazil is the final race for us of a long triple header and obviously another sprint weekend so will be very busy, but an opportunity to score points. Interlagos is a cool track to drive with a lot of history and is also quite technical, with all the elevation changes. I am looking forward to going back to Brazil and racing in front of the passionate fans.”
‘Need to do everything we can';
https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5642/
THIS WEEK IN F1: 10 quiz questions on the Mexico City Grand Prix – and F1 history in Brazil
30 Oct 2024
Rob Burnett
Formula One - Official Site
Carlos Sainz stormed to what proved to be an emotional victory in Mexico City in Sunday, with the Spaniard's family watching on from the Ferrari garage as he edges closer to the end of his time with the Scuderia.
And there was plenty of other action on track at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, with another clash between title rivals Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, a Lap 1 crash that took out Yuki Tsunoda and Alex Albon, and plenty of overtaking up and down the field.
‘10 quiz questions’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...ljLAjDBNWn90dy
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Will wet weather shake up the F1 pack in Sao Paulo? 2024 Brazilian GP preview.
An action-packed race in Mexico City has breathed life back into the drivers’ world championship, with Max Verstappen‘s lead over Lando Norris now cut to 47 points heading into the 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
30 Oct 2924
Cambridge Kisby
Motor Sport Magazine
The McLaren driver has an extra opportunity to move closer to the title in Brazil, as it’s a sprint weekend, with an extra eight points on offer to the winner of Saturday’s shorter race, but he’ll need to find a way to escape the aggressive manoeuvres of Max Verstappen, which have stymied his progress in the past two grands prix.
It may be easier said than done given that the Interlagos circuit has been a crucible of controversy in previous years, fuelled by long flat-out sections to set up a pass; corners that invite bold moves; and tight infield switchbacks that are perilous to drivers running side by side. This year, you can add to that the close competitive order and the continuing fight for the championship, as well as the prospect of wet weather shaking up the competitive order.
‘2024 Brazilian GP preview’;
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#
Alonso delays arrival in Brazil after medical treatment
Oct 31, 2024
The Straits Times
SAO PAULO - Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso has delayed his arrival at the Brazilian Grand Prix after feeling ill in Mexico and seeking specialist treatment in Europe, the Formula One team said on Wednesday.
Aston Martin said the 43-year-old double world champion, who celebrated his record 400th grand prix last Sunday in Mexico City, will miss his Thursday media commitments for the second race in a row.
"Fernando had suffered with an intestinal infection in the lead up to the Mexico City Grand Prix," the team said in a statement. He returned to Europe to receive further treatment from a specialist. The extra day of treatment has delayed his travel plans to Brazil but ensures he will be ready for this weekend's racing."
‘Fernando Alonso has delayed his arrival’;
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...ical-treatment
These milestones and records could be achieved at the Brazilian Grand Prix
30 Oct 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com
After Fernando Alonso competed in his 400th Grand Prix weekend in Mexico, the Formula 1 drivers in Brazil can achieve more milestones and records. This includes milestones for Max Verstappen and Ferrari.
Verstappen will start his 206th consecutive race in Formula 1, dating all the way back to his debut in 2015. This equals Nico Rosberg's run of races between 2006 and 2016, which puts the Dutchman level with third place on the all-time list. Only Daniel Ricciardo (2011-2022) and Lewis Hamilton (2007-2020) have had longer streaks. Valtteri Bottas is one race behind Verstappen's tally.
Milestones for Ferrari in Brazil. Ferrari are making a surge in the Constructors' Championship. The gap between leaders McLaren and Ferrari now sits at 29 points with 3 races remaining. This is partly thanks to the fact the Italian team won in Austin and Mexico. If they win the third race in the triple header, it will mark their first run of three wins since 2019 when Sebastian Vettel and Leclerc were teammates. If they are to complete the hatrick of wins, a Ferrari engine will win a race for the 250th time.
‘Milestones and records’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30992...rand-prix.html
Lewis Hamilton to reunite with McLaren at Brazilian GP for Ayrton Senna tribute
30 Oct 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Lewis Hamilton is poised to drive Ayrton Senna’s title-winning 1990 McLaren F1 car at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix in a tribute to the late three-time World Champion. The F1 2024 season marks 30 years since Senna was killed in an accident during the 1994 San Marino Grand Prix at Imola in one of the most seismic moments in the sport’s history.
A number of tributes have been paid to Senna by the F1 community across this year, with four-time World Champion Sebastian Vettel driving Senna’s 1993 McLaren – a car personally owned by the German – when F1 visited Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in May. That came after Vettel led a track run at Imola on the eve of the race weekend, with the F1 2024 drivers encouraged to wear Senna-themed t-shirts and balaclavas underneath their race helmets for the occasion.
McLaren also paid tribute to Senna at the Monaco Grand Prix, an event won by the Brazilian legend on no fewer than six occasions, by running a one-off yellow, green and blue livery inspired by Senna’s helmet design at the principality.
‘Ayrton Senna tribute’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...-senna-tribute
Verstappen set for Brazilian GP grid penalty
Max Verstappen will be hamstrung in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos with a grid drop.
30 Oct 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
The Dutchman comes into the Sao Paulo weekend leading the world championship by 47 points from Lando Norris, with 34 up for grabs across the sprint weekend in Brazil and 120 left in the season.
Verstappen suffered with an engine problem throughout practice in Mexico that curtailed his running, with the Dutchman also suffering a failure in practice in Canada. He took a fresh engine and penalty in the Belgian Grand Prix, setting the fastest time in qualifying before dropping to 11th on the grid.
It will be the sixth internal combustion engine Verstappen will have used in the season, with only four permitted. The penalty will only apply to the main grand prix on Sunday and not affect the sprint race, as happened to Liam Lawson in the United States Grand Prix.
‘Max Verstappen will be hamstrung’;
https://racingnews365.com/breaking-v...p-grid-penalty
Verstappen and Hamilton both present at Brazil GP press conference
30 Oct 2024
Olly Darcy
GPblog.com
Max Verstappen has been invited to the FIA press conference on Thursday at the Brazilian Grand Prix, along with Lewis Hamilton. The Dutchman will no doubt be asked about the Mexican Grand Prix last weekend where he received two ten-second time penalties for forcing Lando Norris off the track.
‘Brazil GP press conference schedule’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30996...onference.html
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Will Verstappen penalty hand Norris an open goal? Six Brazilian GP talking points.
This weekend could be a pivotal one for Lando Norris’ prospects of catching Max Verstappen in the championship battle. Not only will the sprint race offer extra points, but Sunday’s grand prix could be critical if the championship leader has to start from the midfield.
31st Oct 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans
Verstappen’s grid drop: One of the major plot points of last weekend was that Verstappen appears to be facing considerable trouble with his power unit allocation once again.
Racing rules row rumbles on: As much of a shame as it is, it’s starting to feel that the first championship battle to still be alive at Interlagos since 2021 will again be dominated by discussions over the rules of racing.
Piastri’s poor tour of the Americas: In the first two rounds of the triple-header weekend in the United States and Mexico, Piastri has not had a particularly consistent showing.
Lawson not making friends: He started off getting criticism from Fernando Alonso for his aggressive racing in the Austin sprint race, then was called an “idiot” by Sergio Perez multiple times during the Mexican Grand Prix after the pair of them clashed while battling early in Sunday’s race.
Colapinto’s ‘home’ grand prix: As an Argentinian driver, Colapinto naturally does not have a home grand prix of his own on the calendar. However, this weekend in Brazil will be the closest round to his native Argentina…
Taking the ‘esports’ line: Carlos Sainz Jnr’s pole-winning lap last weekend in Mexico was notable not just because the Ferrari driver beat both main championship protagonists to the top spot on the grid, but because he chose not to follow the traditional racing line exiting the final corner on the run to the line.
‘Six Brazilian GP talking points’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/10/31/...alking-points/
FIA ignores Jos Verstappen's appeal: Herbert is a steward at Brazilian GP
31st Oct 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com
The FIA has so far ignored the criticism of Johnny Herbert, the steward who has come under fire for allegedly being biased against Max Verstappen. The former British F1 driver was one of the stewards in Singapore and Mexico who punished Verstappen and gave hefty penalties. He has been appointed a steward for this weekend's Brazilian Grand Prix. Herbert defended the allegations and explained how there couldn't be British bias because there is a group of stewards from around the world.
Herbert was part of the stewards who gave Verstappen a ten-second penalty in Mexico, whereas a similar set of stewards handed out Lando Norris a five-second penalty for a similar incident. Jos Verstappen, among others, called for a change. "The FIA should take a good look at the staffing of the stewards, who they put there and whether there is no appearance of a conflict of interest. From former drivers, for example, who have more sympathy for certain drivers."
Without directly mentioning his name, Verstappen senior was referring, among others, to Herbert, who, like Norris, is from Britain. Verstappen suggests Herbert can directly influence the outcome of the world championship and can, therefore, favour his compatriot in his decisions.
‘Conflict of interest’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/30998...ard-again.html
Helmut Marko suspects F1 Brazil GP will pose a ‘real problem’ to Red Bull
31st Oct 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has appeared to rule out the team winning the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix as he suspects this weekend will pose a “real problem”.
Marko has conceded that it is crucial that Red Bull avoids a repeat of its Mexico showing, though he does not envisage an upturn in competitiveness coming in Brazil. “We cannot afford another race like this,” Marko told Sky Germany.
“It will certainly be very difficult, because the circuit in Brazil has very slow corners and that will also be a real problem for us. But Qatar is also coming up and I think we still have a chance of a victory there.”
‘Brazil GP will pose a ‘real problem’ to Red Bull’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...m-to-red-bull/
Verstappen addresses his driving behaviour ahead of Brazilian GP
31st Oct 2024
Jeroen Immink
GPblog.com
Max Verstappen has addressed his driving style ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Dutchman has been in the spotlight since he got two ten-second penalties in one lap in the battle against Lando Norris. Subsequently, the three-time world champion received a lot of criticism for his actions. As soon as he arrived in Brazil, Verstappen addressed whether he will adjust his driving.
Verstappen: 'I've been in F1 for ten years, I know what I'm doing'. Verstappen qualified on the front row of the grid each of the past three races, but came up short against Ferrari and McLaren in the race. "Well this has been a little bit the case for most of the season lately. It's a bit difficult to explain why that is. I don't think it's just entirely up to us but we'll see. We'll try to be as competitive as we can be. every track is a bit different. Also here, new tarmac so again it's a few question marks," Verstappen said.
'I've been in F1 for ten years, I know what I'm doing';
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31012...formula-1.html
Wolff and Mercedes give up on 2024 F1 season: But why?
31 Oct 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport
Toto Wolff effectively gives up on the 2024 F1 season as the Mercedes team principal admits they will struggle to challenge Ferrari and McLaren ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. “Given our position in the championship,” Wolff told Mercedes in a press release. “We have been able to test things by paying a small price.”
“Even though we are still focused on maximising our results each weekend, testing and learning will be invaluable in order to better prepare for 2025. We will continue to follow this approach in Brazil. Interlagos is a real driver’s circuit,” Wolff said to Mercedes. “It has many undulations and a challenging mix of low, medium and high-speed corners.”
“As it is the penultimate Sprint format of the year, we will have to act effectively from the first session to get the car into a good window. We know it will be difficult to challenge the Ferraris and McLarens, who have appeared strong in recent races. However, we will continue to work hard for it and see what our performance will be.”
‘Testing and learning will be invaluable in order to better prepare for 2025’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/why...024-f1-season/
Lewis Hamilton complains his 'emotional' Ayrton Senna tribute was leaked at Brazilian GP
Lewis Hamilton will be involved in a memorable Ayrton Senna tribute in Interlagos this weekend.
Oct 31, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Lewis Hamilton vented his frustrations ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix after secret plans for an Ayrton Senna tribute were leaked in Interlagos. Shedding some light on the tribute ahead of the race in Sao Paulo, Hamilton said: "I never in a million years thought I'd ever get to drive Senna's car here.”
"So when... I remember my manager told me about it and I jumped at the opportunity. Back in the day when I was at McLaren, I did get the chance to drive the MP44 around Silverstone, which was incredible. But just the thought of driving that car around here... I remember the races when he finally won here and held the flag. It will definitely be quite an emotional experience and I hope people are here to see it.”
"I had a helmet made, just his helmet made for me but I don't know if we're using that one tomorrow. I think the initial hope was for it to be a surprise. [I would wear] an all-white suit and his helmet and you'd go out and drive the lap and it would just look like it was him out there. But somehow it got out there. It's impossible to keep things quiet."
'Emotional Ayrton Senna tribute’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ian-Grand-Prix
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F1 - 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix - Thursday Press Conference Transcript.
PART ONE – Lance STROLL (Aston Martin), Lewis HAMILTON (Mercedes), Franco COLAPINTO (Williams)
PART TWO – Oscar PIASTRI (McLaren), Max VERSTAPPEN (Red Bull Racing), Yuki TSUNODA (RB)
Q: Why don't we start with the honorary citizen of Brazil. Lewis, you're back in a country you love, at a circuit you love, where you've had a lot of success in the past. Just how excited are you ahead of this Grand Prix? LEWIS HAMILTON: Good afternoon, everyone. I love coming here. I've been really excited about the trip and just getting back. Every opportunity I have to spend time here. You learn more about the culture. You are able to engage more. I know the Senna Foundation did an amazing event last night with all the great work that they're doing. And it's just the colours, it's Ayrton, it's the culture, the people. So you really vibe off that through the whole weekend.
Q: Franco, coming to you now. Would you fancy a run in Senna's old McLaren? Franco COLAPINTO: I would. I'm not as good as Lewis in the heel and toe part, but I'll try to do my best. It would be amazing, and I think it's an incredible opportunity that any driver in this world would love to have. Of course, Lewis is the right person to get that chance and to do it here in Interlagos in such a special year for Ayrton, it's, I think, a very unique moment for all the Brazilian fans, for Lewis, for all of us, the drivers, to enjoy the moment together, and keep doing this tribute to Ayrton that he really deserves it. He was my idol and hero since I was very, very young. That's why I started to look at Formula 1 and, you know, watching the movie, reading all the books and the history.
Q: Lance, let's come to you now. Both you and Fernando had a good run here last year, third and fifth in the Grand Prix. Does that give you some confidence coming into the weekend? Lance STROLL: I mean, not really, because we're in a different situation to where we were last year. You know, we had a good car here last year, so when the car's good, those results come. When the car's less competitive, it naturally just becomes harder for those results to come. Let's see, though. It's a great track. I always enjoy coming here. It's got a great rhythm and flow, and it's a lot of fun to drive. And maybe a bit of weather to mix things up, which always makes it interesting and presents opportunity.
Q: Max, why don't we start with you? After the race on Sunday in Mexico, you said your main concern was the pace of the car. Have you and the engineers discovered anything this week that can help you here at Interlagos? Max VERSTAPPEN: Yeah, I think overall the pace over the weekend plus missing of course most of Friday didn't help. And yeah, you know, Mexico is quite sensitive also to the tyre behaviour. So I hope that we understood a little bit more from that what we can do to be more competitive basically on all tyres.
Q: Oscar, coming to you now. Great recovery. drive by you in Mexico last weekend. Were you happier with the car there than you were in Austin? Oscar PIASTRI: Yeah, quite a lot happier. I think in Austin we had a car that was quick but very, very difficult to drive. And I think in qualifying, especially, it was tough to get the most out of it. In the race, just going a bit slower with the lap times, it's maybe a little bit easier to get the pace out of it. But I was much happier in Mexico, which obviously the results don't reflect. But yeah, felt much more comfortable and, yeah, kind of made qualifying even more of a shame, really.
Q: Yuki, let's go to you now. Now, it's been a very frustrating run of races for you recently. Do you feel you need a change of luck? Yuki TSUNODA: Yeah, I think, well, it's just a part of the career and you have good moments and obviously it's always bad moments. Yeah, it's been not helpful from that perspective. Yeah, I try to minimise the distraction and try to focus on the racing. I'm trying to hope that I get luck from that. But yeah, so far it's not the races I'm having. But every race is a new race week. Not thinking anything about the previous race weeks. Just having a Sprint qualifying race. And yeah, we just focus now on beating Haas.
‘Press Conference Transcript’;
https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-sao...nce-transcript
Lando Norris in last chance saloon but odds stacked against Max Verstappen in Brazilian GP
Lando Norris arrives at the Brazilian GP knowing he needs to score 48 points in four races to overhaul Max Versatappen and become world champion
1 Nov 2024
Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport
A fourth title to equal Prost is far from confirmed as Verstappen has averaged 14.2 points per weekend since the summer break rather than 25.3, having last stood atop an F1 rostrum in June. Verstappen‘s finished off the podium altogether as many times this campaign as he did between the 2019 Mexican GP and the end of the 2023 season, a stretch of almost 1,500 days.
He remains the favourite for the championship holding a healthy 47-point lead over Norris with four races to go but the Dutchman endured a woeful weekend in Mexico City on all fronts, the Brazilian GP may present his most vulnerable weekend left on the calendar. Norris recovered well to claim second in Mexico after Verstappen‘s antics earlier in the race, meaning ahead of the Brazilian GP at Interlagos he must average 12 more points per weekend than the Dutchman to overhaul him.
The reality is that Norris needs wins, and lots of them. He’s had the superior car to Verstappen since the halfway mark of the season but only has three victories to seven for his rival. With the goalposts shifting around wheel-to-wheel action, many have questioned whether Norris needs to be more aggressive when battling Verstappen, but the man himself had a quiet rebuttal of that claim.
‘Lando Norris in last chance saloon’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ilian-gp-2024/
Major setback for Perez ahead of Brazil GP
31 Oct 2024
Tim Kraaij
GPblog.com
Sergio Perez does not have access to the newest Red Bull floor at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Although that is a disadvantage, by his own admission, he claims it will not prevent him from making the most of his package.
"No, we don't have it at the moment. Hopefully for Vegas, now that there will be a little bit more time, I will have it," Perez said during his media session in Brazil. "There's something in it. Also a bit of weight. We're carrying a little bit of weight and so on. It's not ideal but obviously the team is doing the best they can. We've been affected also with so many incidents for now. The team is pushing flat out," Perez said.
‘Newest Red Bull floor: Hopefully for Vegas’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31021...brazil-gp.html
Race guide for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
1 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical
Prost as the benchmark in Brazil: Alain Prost holds the record for most wins in Brazil. Taking six victories in total, the Frenchman was victorious with three different teams. In 1982, the Brazilian Grand Prix took place as the second round of the championship and Prost, after opening the season with a triumph in South Africa, continued to set the pace with taking another win Brazil with Renault. The following years saw Prost dominating the Brazilian Grand Prix as he secured four wins with McLaren and a single victory for Ferrari.
A true rollercoaster. The 4.309km Interlagos track presents a totally different set of requirements to those seen in Mexico a week ago. Finding the perfect set-up usually proves to be quite tricky as the slow- and medium-speed sections require higher levels of downforce while the high-speed parts including the long start-finish curvature present a desire for low drag.
Following the extremely long main straight, drivers arrive to an exciting section where finding the right lines and good rhythm is of key importance. This combination of three bends known as Senna-S comprise the only high-speed corners of the entire circuit. The rear stability is tested by the elongated Turn 3 which then leads onto the second-longest straight of the circuit.
‘Race guide’;
https://www.f1technical.net/news/25742
How a New Darker Track Surface Could Define the Entire Brazil GP - F1 Media Day Reaction
31 Oct 2024
Motorsport.com
F1's Brazillian Grand Prix is here, and with it comes a sprint weekend, a new track surface, the tension between many drivers, and more. With the new track surface bringing the extra heat, can the F1 teams, and their Pirelli tyres, cope with the additional sprint race laps? What about Max Verstappen and Lando Norris' title fight? Or Liam Lawson and Sergio Perez's on-track repercussions?
‘New Darker Track Surface Could Define the Entire Brazil GP’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/...action/656420/
Start time for the F1 Brazilian GP sprint qualifying 2024 today
1 Nov 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
The schedule of the F1 GP in São Paulo is automatically adjusted to your time zone.
Timetable Brazilian GP
Session Date Time
Free practice 1 Friday 1 November 15:30 - 16:30
Sprint qualifying Friday 1 November 19:30 - 20:14
Sprintrace Saturday 2 November 15:00 - 16:00
Qualification Saturday 2 November 19:00 - 20:00
Race Sunday 3 November 18:00 - 20:00
‘The schedule’;
https://racingnews365.com/start-time...ing-2024-today
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Norris fastest in Brazil GP F1 practice as Verstappen conceals true pace.
Lando Norris set the pace for McLaren in the only practice session for the 2024 Brazilian Grand Prix, while Formula 1 title rival Max Verstappen was only 15th - and Haas stand-in Ollie Bearman was a sensational third.
Nov 1, 2024
Ben Anderson
The Race
Norris set the fastest lap right at the end of the 60-minute session, a 1m10.610s lap that edged out George Russell’s Mercedes by 0.181 seconds. Bearman, subbing at least until the end of Saturday’s sprint race for the unwell Kevin Magnussen, was one of only five drivers to lap below 1m11s - and was more than three tenths faster than Haas team-mate Nico Hulkenberg, who was eighth.
Alex Albon did the whole session on the medium (C4) tyre and was fifth fastest for Williams, ahead of Ferrari duo Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who aren’t expecting to go as well around this track as they have done at recent races. Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin and Pierre Gasly’s Alpine completed the top 10.
‘Norris fastest’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/l...las-true-pace/
F1 Brazilian GP 2024 – Free Practice 1 Results
Lando Norris was quickest in the initial and only practice session at the 2024 Brazilian GP
1 Nov 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport
F1 2024 Brazilian GP – FP1 Results
Check out the final 2024 Brazilian GP Free Practice 1 results from the only practice session below!
Pos Driver Team Time
1 Lando Norris McLaren 1:10.610
2 George Russell Mercedes +0.181
3 Oliver Bearman Haas +0.195
4 Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.340
5 Alexander Albon Williams +0.345
6 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.428
7 Carlos Sainz Ferrari +0.490
8 Nico Hulkenberg Haas +0.514
9 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin +0.605
10 Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.606
‘FP1 Results’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ice-1-results/
2024 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix - Free Practice results
Check out the full results from the sole practice session for the 2024 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix!
1 Nov 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
With just one practice session for the 20 F1 drivers to become accustomed to a newly resurfaced Interlagos circuit given it is a sprint weekend in São Paulo, the action was fast and furious over the 60 minutes of track running.
And it was Lando Norris who led the way in his McLaren, spearheading a British one-two-three ahead of Mercedes' George Russell and a remarkable lap from Ollie Bearman, standing in for an unwell Kevin Magnussen for sprint qualifying and the sprint itself, who was third fastest in his Haas.
Max Verstappen was a lowly 15th, albeit the Red Bull driver backing out in the final sector on his soft-tyre burst. His time in the first two sectors
‘Lando Norris who led the way’;
https://racingnews365.com/2024-f1-br...actice-results
Haas confirm Kevin Magnussen absence as Oliver Bearman handed Brazilian GP chance
Kevin Magnussen has been taken ill and Haas have announced that teenager Oliver Bearman will deputise for him during Friday's race session at the Brazilian Grand Prix
1 Nov 2024
Matthew Cooper
The Mirror
Oliver Bearman will compete for Haas in the sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix after Kevin Magnussen was sidelined through illness. Bearman is currently Haas' reserve driver, but the 19-year is set to replace Magnussen full-time for the 2025 season. And the Brit, who has previously stood in for Magnussen at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and Ferrari's Carlos Sainz at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, will get another opportunity to impress in Sao Paulo.
Bearman will deputise for Magnussen during Friday's race session, with Haas set to make a decision on his involvement in the entire race weekend in "due course". The news was confirmed in a statement which read: "MoneyGram Haas F1 Team driver Kevin Magnussen will not participate in Friday’s track running at the São Paulo Grand Prix after suffering with sickness.
‘Kevin Magnussen has been taken ill’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...arman-34017891
Lewis Hamilton sends alarming eight-word message over Mercedes radio at Brazilian GP
Lewis Hamilton was in an uncomfortable position during FP1 at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Nov 1, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Lewis Hamilton expressed that he was 'in a bit of pain' in the cockpit of his W15 machine during FP1 at the Brazilian Grand Prix on Friday. Fortunately for the seven-time world champion, race engineer Peter Bonnington came back with the news he wanted to hear, explaining that he only had one lap remaining after crossing the start-finish line. The bumps continued to cause trouble for the Mercedes drivers though. "I'm bouncing across the track everywhere," radioed Hamilton, while George Russell complained: "That was one bumpy ride, wow."
When the chequered flag dropped in Sao Paulo, Russell was second-fastest of all 20 drivers with only Lando Norris quicker. Hamilton was sitting 16th in the timing charts, although he didn't complete a soft-compound run, unlike most of his competitors. The mood in the Mercedes camp was mixed heading into the weekend with Russell offering some choice words on the team's 2024 challenger. “In 2022, in the porpoising era, without a doubt that was far more unpleasant, but because of the nature of those cars," he explained.
‘Alarming eight-word message’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ian-Grand-Prix
Red Bull grants Perez chassis change + Verstappen gets engine penalty
Nov 1, 2024
Josh Suttill
The Race
Red Bull has changed Sergio Perez’s chassis after a request from its under-pressure driver, while team-mate Max Verstappen will serve a grid penalty at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Verstappen will use a new internal combustion engine at Interlagos, which means a five-place grid drop because he has already exceeded his V6 allocation this season.
However, Red Bull and engine partner Honda believe the rest of Verstappen’s power unit can still be used, which saves a bigger penalty. As Brazil is a sprint weekend the five-place grid penalty will be applied to the grand prix only, so where Verstappen qualifies for the sprint he will start.
As for Perez, his search for a solution to the problems that have apparently been holding him back in recent races has led to him asking for a different chassis. Red Bull has obliged, as it has one from earlier in the season, and it can switch to it without incurring the significant cost of introducing a new one now.
‘Perez chassis change + Verstappen gets engine penalty’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/r...ngine-penalty/
Can the 2024 Brazilian GP See Ferrari Continue their Winning Run
Nov 1, 2024
Vyas Ponnuri
Last Word On Sports
Ferrari’s rejuvenated American form: The Ferrari renaissance in the Americas has livened up a growing championship rivalry. Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have taken one victory apiece at Austin and Mexico.
Both times, the SF24 proved to be the quickest in race trim. The Ferrari aced the medium-speed corners in Austin and Mexico. This was thanks to a series of upgrades culminating in a front-wing update ahead of Singapore.
With Brazil featuring a second sector of long-radius medium-speed corners, expect Ferrari to be in the ascendancy once again around Interlagos.
‘Ferrari’s rejuvenated American form’;
https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...-brazilian-gp/
Max P15 after Interlagos FP1
1 Nov 2024
Stefan Meens
Verstappen.nl
Max does not attempt a flying lap on the softs until the closing stages of the session. In the first sector the Red Bull Racer is two tenths quicker than Russell, before losing two tenths in the second sector. In the third and final sector, Max takes his foot off the throttle, meaning he ends FP1 in P15.
‘Foot off the throttle’;
https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5645/
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2024 F1 Brazilian Grand Prix - Sprint qualifying results.
Oscar Piastri claimed pole for the sprint at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, beating Lando Norris by less than three-hundredths of a second.
1 Nov 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
The McLaren driver set a lap time of 1:08.899 at Interlagos, the only circuit to hold a sprint every season since the format was first introduced in 2021. Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz will line up third, fourth and fifth, respectively.
George Russell, Pierre Gasly, Liam Lawson, Alexander Albon and Oliver Bearman rounded out the top 10 and are best positioned to fight for one of the eight points-paying places in the sprint. Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez were both eliminated early, failing to reach Q3. They will line-up P11 and P13.
‘Oscar Piastri claimed pole for the sprint’;
https://racingnews365.com/2024-f1-br...ifying-results
F1 Brazilian GP 2024 – Sprint Qualifying Results
Oscar Piastri was fastest in the Sprint Qualifying session at the 2024 Brazilian GP
1 Nov 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport
McLaren threw down the gauntlet to their F1 rivals after locking out the front row at Interlagos, with Oscar Piastri leading teammate Lando Norris in the 2024 Brazilian GP Sprint Qualifying results.
F1 2024 Brazilian GP – Sprint Qualifying Results
Check out the final 2024 Brazilian GP Sprint Qualifying results below!
Pos Driver Team Time
1 Oscar Piastri McLaren 1:08.899
2 Lando Norris McLaren +0.029
3 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +0.254
4 Max Verstappen Red Bull +0.320
5 Carlos Sainz Ferrari +0.358
6 George Russell Mercedes +0.544
7 Pierre Gasly Alpine +0.723
8 Liam Lawson RB +1.042
9 Alexander Albon Williams +1.179
10 Oliver Bearman Haas Out in SQ2
‘Sprint Qualifying Results’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...fying-results/
2024 Brazilian Grand Prix – Sprint qualifying F1 results (Interlagos)
1 Nov 2024
Thomas Maher
PlanetF1.com
The full results from the Sprint Qualifying session ahead of Saturday’s action at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
‘Sprint qualifying’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-res...int-qualifying
Leclerc summoned to Brazil GP F1 stewards for swearing
Nov 1, 2024
Josh Suttill
The Race
Ferrari Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc has been summoned to the Brazilian Grand Prix stewards for bad language after his podium in Mexico. Leclerc swore in the post-race press conference in Mexico, when recounting his near-miss with the wall on the exit at the final corner, a mistake that cost him second place to Lando Norris.
At the end of that answer, Leclerc said: “I had one oversteer and then when I recovered from that oversteer, I had an oversteer from the other side and then I was like, ‘f***’.” That came after Max Verstappen was controversially handed motorsport's version of community service by the Singapore GP stewards for swearing in the pre-event press conference. That penalty led to a subsequent protest from Verstappen.
‘Leclerc summoned’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/l...-for-swearing/
McLaren 'scoop' wing lands front-row sprint knockout in Brazil GP
McLaren is sporting a special rear wing for this weekend's São Paulo GP and it paid handsome dividends in sprint qualifying.
1 Nov 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365
Oscar Piastri outshone McLaren team-mate Lando Norris to light up a gloomy Interlagos with a stunning performance in sprint qualifying to land the top spot on the F1 grid in São Paulo. In stark contrast to the sunshine and blue skies for the sole practice session, it was grey cloud and much cooler temperatures for sprint qualifying. There was a 20-degree difference in the track temperature between the two sessions.
After setting the fastest time in SQ1 and SQ2 on the medium Pirelli tyres, Norris looked set to claim sprint pole with a searing lap of 1:08.928s on the first run on softs in SQ3. But on the second run, Piastri pipped the Briton by 0.029s to claim his second sprint pole. Norris made a mistake on his second SQ3 and opted box, but it is an all-McLaren front row, with their cars sporting a special rear wing for this grand prix only, noticeable for its midline scoop, and it paid dividends around the iconic São Paulo circuit.
‘McLaren 'scoop' wing’;
https://racingnews365.com/mclaren-sc...t-in-brazil-gp
Piastri grabs last-minute Brazilian GP sprint pole from Norris
Nov 1, 2024
Josh Suttill
The Race
Oscar Piastri usurped Lando Norris at the very last minute to steal pole position for Formula 1's Brazilian Grand Prix sprint race.
Norris had dominated sprint qualifying prior to the final run of SQ3. He was eight tenths quicker than Piastri in SQ1 and fastest again in SQ2 and for most of SQ3.
But Piastri delivered a stunning late lap - a 1m08.899s - to pip Norris to pole by just 0.029 seconds with Norris "making too many mistakes" on his final lap, which he aborted.
‘Oscar Piastri usurped Lando Norris’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/b...ri-norris-1-2/
Lando Norris snaps back at reporter over question he 'hates' as star stunned at Brazil GP
Lando Norris was on the wrong end of a surprise sprint shootout result.
Nov 1, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Lando Norris declared 'I hate this question so much' after being asked about his chances of gaining points on championship rival Max Verstappen in the Brazilian Grand Prix sprint.
'I hate this question so much';
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...int-qualifying
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Oscar Piastri Takes Brazil Sprint Pole But Wary Of Team Orders For Lando Norris.
Oscar Piastri grabbed pole position on Friday for the sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix and said he will race to win but conceded that team-mate Lando Norris has a greater need of points.
Nov 02, 2024
Agence France-Presse
NDTV.com
"I think first and second is the first objective and then we'll see what order it is. I know that I'm not in the running for the drivers' standings, for the team it doesn't matter which way round we are, so I know that's the case and we'll see," said Piastri.
"I've said I would (relinquish a victory) from when we first had these discussions. Lando needs the points in the drivers' standings a lot more than I do, but of course I still want to win. If I put in the effort and show good pace I'm sure that won't go unnoticed, but we'll see."
‘Oscar Piastri: “I still want to win”.’;
https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/os...norris-6925573
Piastri on sprint race pole but Norris needs him to play number two
2nd Nov 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans
McLaren have locked out the front row of the grid for the penultimate sprint race of the season. There is the small detail that their drivers aren’t in the ideal order, as championship contender Lando Norris lost pole position to his team mate Oscar Piastri yesterday. But the team has indicated it is prepared to intervene to change that if needed.
McLaren knows that Norris needs to get as many points as possible in his pursuit of Max Verstappen to somehow make up the 47-point deficit before the end in Abu Dhabi and they need Piastri to play a critical part in helping him out in that endeavour. But ever since team principal Andrea Stella confirmed that the team would “bias” support for Norris from the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Piastri has either finished ahead of his team mate – as in Baku – or finished behind Verstappen as he did in Singapore, the United States and Mexico.
‘Play number two’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/02/...ay-number-two/
Max Verstappen delivers ‘quite a bit off’ verdict at start of challenging Brazil GP weekend
1 Nov 2024
Elizabeth Blackstock
PlanetF1.com
Max Verstappen says Red Bull “quite a bit off over one lap” Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen stepped out of the car after sprint qualifying having secured a fourth-place starting slot on the grid for the shortened race tomorrow — but with very little hope for a more productive weekend going forward.
“As soon as we went into qualifying, it looked like we were definitely off,” the reigning World Champion told broadcasters after the sprint session. “A bit difficult on the bumps,” he said of the track surface.
“I mean, they did the resurfacing, but I think they actually made it worse to drive. It’s extremely bumpy everywhere. That’s not good for our cars. The car’s jumping around a lot, and this cost me quite a bit of lap time, unfortunately.”
‘Quite a bit off’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-ve...dict-brazil-gp
Max Verstappen praying for rain to rescue Brazilian GP Sprint
The Red Bull driver will line up fourth at the Interlagos circuit on November 2.
1 Nov 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport
“Normally when you’re already quite a bit off over one lap then I don’t think you’re particularly the strongest in the race,” Verstappen told F1 TV as he finds himself praying for rain. “So we’ll see how that goes tomorrow in the Sprint. I also know there is some weather around that can come, but maybe not for this Sprint. We’ll have a look. I have a bit more work to do.”
Rain beckoned during Sprint Qualifying but never quite arrived on November 1. The good news for Verstappen is that rain is two-times as likely to hit the circuit on Saturday, November 2 sitting at 40% probability to impact either the Sprint Race or Grand Prix qualifying.
‘Praying for rain’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...p-sprint-2024/
Perez reacts to another difficult session: 'It was confusing...'
1 Nov 2024
Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com
After a disappointing result at his home Grand Prix in Mexico City, Sergio Perez's Brazilian Grand Prix did not start any better. The Mexican got eliminated in SQ2 on Friday, and as a result, will have to start from P13 on the grid during tomorrow's Sprint.
"Sprint weekends are always a bit of an unknown, especially here at Interlagos," said Perez, who was faster than Max Verstappen in SQ1, but then failed to reach the final session of the day in Sao Paulo.
"We had a good SQ1, but in to SQ2 we were struggling with the balance and had a bit of understeer with the track coming down. We tried to do something with the brake balance and then ended up too rear limited."
'It was confusing...';
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31058...ng-brazil.html
Haas confirms Oliver Bearman will contest full F1 Brazil GP weekend
01 Nov 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week
Haas has confirmed that Oliver Bearman will contest the remainder of the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix after standing in for Kevin Magnussen on Friday. Bearman was woken up by a 6:30 AM phone call from Haas Team Principal Ayao Komatsu to take Magnussen’s place at Interlagos on Friday after the Dane fell ill.
“Following Ollie stepping into the VF-24 for today’s sessions due to Kevin’s sickness, we can confirm that the British driver will now complete the full Brazil GP weekend with the team,” a Haas statement read. “We wish Kevin a full and speedy recovery.”
‘Woken up by a 6:30 AM phone call’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...il-gp-weekend/
Argentines flocking to watch F1 driver Colapinto at Brazilian GP
1 Nov 2024
Associated Press
MailOnline
At least 10,000 Argentines have come to Sao Paulo, according to estimates by tourism agencies. That is one sixth of those expected to attend the Interlagos track this weekend. Argentine supporters were already in the stands during Friday practice and sprint race qualifying, showing off the national colors on hats, flags and soccer T-shirts in hope of inspiring Colapinto, the only South American on the grid. "Franco, 46 million Argentinians are with you," read one banner. "Be strong."
Most Argentines have fading memories of watching five-time F1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio (1950-58) or Carlos Reutemann (1972-82) win races. Gastón Mazzacane (2000-01) was the most recent Argentine to drive until Colapinto arrived, and he didn't score a point. Fashion designer Anna Rosatti, 52, has come to her first F1 grand prix because of Colapinto, and childhood memories of celebrating Argentine success on TV.
"I used to watch Carlos Reutermann with my parents," she said. "Colapinto's story of fighting hard, falling and coming back reminds me of my childhood, of what it is to be Argentine." She was in the Interlagos paddock, carrying three national flags and wearing a cap celebrating Argentina's World Cup soccer title in 2022.
‘Argentines flocking to watch F1 driver Colapinto… …At least 10,000 Argentines’;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/wires/ap...zilian-GP.html
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McLaren’s Lando Norris wins Brazil GP sprint to cut Max Verstappen’s F1 lead.
Oscar Piastri obeyed McLaren team orders to gift Lando Norris a Sao Paulo sprint-race victory in a one-two finish that cut Max Verstappen's Formula One lead over his British rival to 45 points on Nov 2.
Nov 02, 2024
The Straits Times
Australian Piastri had started on pole position and led until handing over two laps from the end after Verstappen passed Ferrari's Charles Leclerc for third and became an increasing threat. The switch came just in time, with a late virtual safety car period leaving a tense final lap with Piastri finishing 0.593 behind Norris and Verstappen a further 0.904 adrift.
Verstappen was told after the finish that he was under investigation for an alleged virtual safety car infringement that could cost him a five-second penalty and drop him down to fourth. "Oscar deserved it but we're doing what we had to do," said Norris, who started second on the grid.
‘Oscar Piastri obeyed McLaren team orders’;
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...appens-f1-lead
F1 Brazilian GP 2024 – Sprint Race Results
Oscar Piastri played the team game and allowed Lando Norris to win the Sprint at Interlagos
2 Nov 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport
The result has reduced Norris’ gap in the drivers’ standings to 45 points, while McLaren extends their lead over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship to 35 points
F1 2024 Brazilian GP – Sprint Race Results
Check out the final 2024 Brazilian GP Sprint Race results below!
Pos Driver Team Time
1 Lando Norris McLaren Leader
2 Oscar Piastri McLaren +0.593
3 Max Verstappen Red Bull +1.497
4 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +5.656
5 Carlos Sainz Ferrari +7.224
6 George Russell Mercedes +12.475
7 Pierre Gasly Alpine +18.161
8 Sergio Perez Red Bull +18.717
9 Liam Lawson RB +20.773
10 Alexander Albon Williams +24.606
‘Sprint Race Results’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...-race-results/
Piastri hands Norris victory in Interlagos sprint race
2nd Nov 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans
The McLaren pair led through the race. Piastri was ahead for most of the way, but the due swapped places in the closing laps. Verstappen challenged Piastri for second place after a late Virtual Safety Car but was repelled, finishing third behind the two McLarens.
With 17 drivers lining up on the grid and three in the pit lane, all 20 cars in the field were fitted with medium tyres for the sprint race. When the lights went out, pole winner Piastri held the lead into the first corner with team mate Norris slotting into second place behind. Charles Leclerc retained third as Max Verstappen also held fourth place despite a lock up under braking for the first corner.
‘Piastri hands Norris victory’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/02/...s-sprint-race/
Lando Norris Wins Brazil GP Sprint Race, Cuts Max Verstappen's F1 Championship Lead To...
Nov 02, 2024
Agence France-Presse
NDTV.com
Lando Norris trimmed two points off Max Verstappen's lead in Formula One's drivers' world championship on Saturday after claiming victory ahead of his McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri in the sprint race at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The title-chasing Briton took the lead on lap 22 of the 24-lap race, when Piastri swapped positions with him before fending off the challenge of three-time champion Verstappen in his Red Bull.
Verstappen leads Norris by 45 points with four races including Sunday's to come -- and one sprint -- and it could get worse for the Dutch driver. At the finish Verstappen -- who will start with a five-place grid penalty -- was noted for an infringement of the Virtual Safety Car (VSC) rules.
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"It was a tricky race," said Verstappen. "The pace was good and I'm quite pleased with that although it took quite a long time for me to pass Charles (Leclerc) -- I had to wait for a mistake to pass him." He added he would be aiming to 'limit the damage' to his title defence in Sunday's race.
"It was a tricky race";
https://sports.ndtv.com/formula-1/la...ead-to-6929728
Max Verstappen under investigation by FIA as Brazil GP sprint probe launched
2 Nov 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Max Verstappen is under investigation by F1’s governing body the FIA for an alleged Virtual Safety Car breach during the Brazilian Grand Prix sprint race. Red Bull star Verstappen finished third in the mini race at Interlagos as F1 2024 title rival Lando Norrs took victory with the help of McLaren team orders.
‘Sprint probe launched’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-ve...gp-sprint-race
Disgruntled Hamilton ‘not bothered’ about Brazilian GP Sprint Race
The Mercedes driver qualified 11th for Saturday's Sprint Race at Interlagos
2 Nov 2024
Brandon Sutton
Total Motorsport
A disgruntled Lewis Hamilton throws in the towel on his F1 2024 Brazilian GP Sprint Race as he insists he’s ‘not bothered’ about making any progress at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on Saturday, November 3.
The Brit struggled once again over one lap as he never really seemed at harmony with his Mercedes car, meaning he was eliminated in Q2 and will start the mini-race from 12th on the grid.
“It is what it is. It’ll be what it’ll be,” Hamilton told F1 TV of the Sprint Race. “I’m not really massively bothered if I’m honest. If I can move forwards in the sprint, great. I’ll try again in qualifying two [Grand Prix qualifying] make some changes to the car and see what we can do.”
‘Not bothered’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...p-sprint-race/
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Hamilton interrupts Domenicali interview to tell him “you should have sent us out”.
Lewis Hamilton interrupted a live television interview with Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali to complain about the decision to postpone today’s qualifying session.
2nd Nov 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Domenicali spoke to the official F1 channel after the session was called off, during which Hamilton interrupted to tell him: “You should have sent us out. It’s ridiculous, we should go out,” said the seven-times world champion as he knowingly crashed the interview, smiling as he did so. “I want to go out. If you give us better wet tyres and [tyre] blankets, we’ll be able to run in this. I’m putting you on the spot.”
F1 drivers have repeatedly complained about the quality of F1’s wet weather tyres in recent years. Two wet weather compounds are specified under the rules, the lightly-treaded intermediates and heavily treaded full wets. However drivers have criticised the performance of the latter and often avoid using it wherever possible. Drivers have also expressed concerns over the FIA’s decision to outlaw the use of tyre heating blankets for wet weather tyres. F1’s official tyre supplier Pirelli introduced a new wet weather compound last year designed not to require blankets.
“You should have sent us out”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/02/...e-sent-us-out/
Lewis Hamilton interrupts Stefano Domenicali interview to make demand of F1 CEO
Lewis Hamilton has reacted to qualifying being scrapped at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Nov 2, 2024
Fraser Watson
Daily and Sunday Express
Lewis Hamilton has told F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali drivers needed "better wet tyres" after rain ruined qualifying at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Following the Saturday sprint race at Interlagos, heavy downpours hit the track, with the initial start time for qualifying moved back on four occasions.
But with the rain showing no sign of relenting, the FIA admitted defeat and abandoned plans for a late start. Qualifying for the Grand Prix will now all take place on Sunday, although no start time has been confirmed with further rain also forecast.
‘Demand of F1 CEO’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...-F1-CEO-Brazil
Hamilton teases Domenicali after postponed qualifying: 'Give better tyres'
2 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com
Lewis Hamilton interrupted an interview with Formula 1's CEO Stefano Domenicali and suggested the sport needs better wet tyres. Hamilton jokingly suggested the F1 drivers would've completed qualifying at the wet track in São Paulo if they had better equipment available to them.
'Give better tyres';
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31086...in-brazil.html
What Lewis Hamilton told F1 CEO about ‘ridiculous’ Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying postponement
2 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
Lewis Hamilton and his Formula 1 rivals weren’t able to run in qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Saturday evening. The session had to be postponed due to excessive rain. Qualifying was due to get underway at 15:00 local time, but there was a thunderstorm in the lead-up to the session. Delays were anticipated as a result, and they soon began to arrive.
Lewis Hamilton says F1 needs ‘better wet tyres’ as Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying postponed. After the decision to postpone qualifying was finally made, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali spoke to Will Buxton on the world feed coverage. He thanked the fans at the circuit for their patience and explained why it was impossible to send the cars out on track.
Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton interrupted the interview to tell Domenicali, seemingly in a light-hearted tone, that it was a ‘ridiculous’ call. He also proposed a change to prevent a repeat in future. The seven-time world champion wants to see revisions to the wet tyres, presumably so they clear more standing water. Race control expected the drivers to aquaplane on the surface if they went out on Saturday, inevitably leading to accidents.
‘It was a ‘ridiculous’ call’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wha...-postponement/
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen demoted to fourth at Brazilian GP sprint race
2 Nov 2024
The Straits Times
SAO PAULO - Three-time world champion and series leader Max Verstappen was demoted from third to fourth following the Nov 2 sprint race at the Brazilian Grand Prix for infringing Virtual Safety Car rules.
The demotion meant the Red Bull driver lost a point and enabled race winner Lando Norris of McLaren to trim his deficit to 44 points in the drivers title race with four Grands Prix, and a further sprint, remaining this year.
‘Demoted to fourth’;
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...gp-sprint-race
Fresh twist in Red Bull-McLaren title feud explained
Nov 2, 2024
Edd Straw, Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
Red Bull is concerned by how suddenly its early season dominance ended, starting with the Miami Grand Prix in early May. Max Verstappen won four of the first five races but has only won three of the 15 since - although he would have won the Miami race itself but for a safety car that allowed McLaren to score victory with Lando Norris.
Since the race after Miami, at Imola, Red Bull has generally found itself weaker than McLaren, which it feels has been particularly strong late in the race. After the summer break, Ferrari has become increasingly competitive as well.
After exploring various aspects of its own car development, admitting it has had some correlation issues and even using pre-Miami floor designs at some points to gain a reference, Red Bull believes that nothing has changed enough on its side to explain the drop off it has suffered, particularly in race pace. It is searching for a possible explanation for that, plus the steps made by its main rivals, which Red Bull does not believe are justified by car upgrades alone.
‘Fresh twist’;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/f...ud-tyre-fluid/
Leclerc fined RM47,000 for swearing but Formula One stewards say Verstappen was worse
2 Nov 2024
Malay Mail
SAO PAULO, Nov 2 — Formula One stewards fined Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc 10,000 euros (RM47,430), with half the sum suspended, for swearing in a post-race press conference at the Mexico City Grand Prix last Sunday. The punishment comes after Red Bull’s triple world champion Max Verstappen was ordered in September to carry out “work of public interest” for swearing during a Singapore Grand Prix press conference.
Stewards said in a statement at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Friday that the Monegasque’s breach was not as bad as Verstappen’s. Verstappen had alluded, somewhat sorely, to Leclerc’s language when he appeared in an FIA Prix press conference on Thursday. “Apparently it only counts for me anyway because, you know, after the race in Mexico someone was swearing,” the Dutch driver told reporters then, without naming names.
“Apparently it only counts for me anyway”;
https://www.malaymail.com/news/sport...s-worse/155589
Breaking: F1 change entire Brazilian GP Sunday schedule
Qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos has been given a rescheduled start time after torrential weather caused F1 to delay the session until Sunday - and the grand prix has been brought forward 90 minutes.
2 Nov 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365
It has been confirmed by F1 and the FIA that qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix will start at 07:30 local time on Sunday, five hours prior to an earlier-than-advertised lights out for the race in Brazil. As per the F1 sporting regulations, the grid-setting session must be completed at least three hours before start time of the grand prix.
The race had been scheduled for 14:00 local time, but due to more bad weather forecast, that start time has been brought forward 90 minutes, to 12:30 local time. That means that qualifying will take place at 10:30 UK time (11:30 for mainland Europe) and the race will start at 15:30 (16:30 for mainland Europe).
‘F1 change entire Brazilian GP Sunday schedule’;
https://racingnews365.com/official-n...-gp-qualifying
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Chaos in Sao Paulo as rain plays havoc with Brazilian Grand Prix.
McLaren’s Lando Norris took an emphatic pole position at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on Sunday after Red Bull rival Max Verstappen qualified only 17th in a wet and crash-strewn session at Interlagos.
Nov 3, 2024
The Age
George Russell joined his fellow Briton on the front row for Mercedes after a session that had been postponed from Saturday due to heavy rain. Red Bull’s Yuki Tsunoda claimed a stunning third place on the grid and Alpine’s Esteban Ocon fourth. Australian Oscar Piastri, driving for McLaren, will start 8th.
Qualifying at Interlagos was delayed due to numerous red flags as rain continued to fall in Sao Paulo. The second leg of qualifying was cancelled with Verstappen in 12th position after Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll crashed.
Verstappen failed to advance to the final part of qualifying and will have to add a five-place grid punishment after changing his engine for the sixth time this season, exceeding the maximum allowance of four. Sergio Perez, the second Red Bull driver, also failed to reach the final third of qualifying, and clocked the 13th fastest time.
‘Rain plays havoc’;
https://www.theage.com.au/sport/moto...03-p5knk6.html
F1 Brazilian GP 2024 Starting Grid
Lando Norris braved the rain at Interlagos and will start the 2024 Brazilian GP on pole position
3 Nov 2024
John Smith
12:27
Total Motorsport
Check out the provisional 2024 Brazilian GP starting grid below, which will be updated two hours before the race begins with the final grid positions.
Pos Driver Team
1 Lando Norris McLaren
2 George Russell Mercedes
3 Yuki Tsunoda RB
4 Esteban Ocon Alpine
5 Liam Lawson RB
6 Charles Leclerc Ferrari
7 Alexander Albon Williams
8 Oscar Piastri McLaren
9 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin
10 Lance Stroll Aston Martin
‘Starting Grid’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...starting-grid/
Fifth red flag out in qualifying: Albon flies into the wall at turn one
3 Nov 2024
Tim Kraaij
GPblog.com
Alexander Albon caused a fifth red flag during qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Thai driver himself suspected his brakes had failed and he flew hard into the wall. Both Williams crashed in qualifying, and the Grove-based team will have a big job on their hands before today's Grand Prix.
For Williams, getting two drivers to start the Grand Prix will be a tough task. After a big crash for Franco Colapinto, Albon also crashed hard into the wall in Q3. The Thai driver asked if his brakes had failed, something that also seemed clear from the footage. He climbed out of his stricken car gingerley but seemed okay.
‘Suspected his brakes had failed’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31099...-the-wall.html
Red Bull disaster! Verstappen and Perez OUT of Brazilian GP qualifying after Stroll crash
Max Verstappen will start a wretched 17th as he also has a grid penalty
3 Nov 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365
Max Verstappen will start a wretched 17th for the São Paulo Grand Prix after being caught out by one of the many red flags during a chaotic qualifying session at Interlagos.
Safely through into Q2 after topping the timesheet in Q1, as track conditions ramped up over the 15 minutes, as the clock ticked down, Lance Stroll binned his Aston Martin out of the Senna S in the first sector.
At that stage, with Verstappen building up to his final hot lap, race control opted to red-flag the session, leaving Verstappen and Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez in the drop zone, and with no time to restart.
‘Red Bull disaster!’;
https://racingnews365.com/red-bull-d...r-stroll-crash
Max Verstappen rages at F1 chiefs as Brazilian GP red flag dents title hopes
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen was outside the top 10 when the red flags flew at the end of Q2, meaning he never got the chance make sure he would start higher than 17th for the Sao Paulo race
3 Nov 2024
Daniel Moxon
The Mirror
Max Verstappen took aim at the Formula 1 race director as he vented after red flags ruined his qualifying for the Brazilian Grand Prix. The Red Bull racer fumed: "A car hits the wall and it needs to be straight red [flag]. I do not understand why it needs to take 30 or 40 seconds for a red flag to come out, it is just bulls***. Honestly, I will let it go. It is so stupid anyway to talk about, it is ridiculous."
‘It is just bulls***’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ction-34025888
‘Car right now, worst I’ve ever driven’ – Lewis Hamilton has ‘no hope’ at Brazilian Grand Prix
3 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Lewis Hamilton says he has “no hope” for the Brazilian Grand Prix after being eliminated in Q1 in 16th place having struggled with an “undrivable” W15. Hamilton’s Brazilian Grand Prix, for which he’s wearing an Ayrton Senna-inspired helmet, is not going to plan with the Briton potentially leaving the Interlagos circuit without a single point on the board.
Hamilton was speaking to the media about his short session. “I’m not going to be negative,” he said. “It is what it is. I don’t have any hopes for the race. Just going to do what I can do. With the car I have right now, it’s the worst I’ve ever driven so I probably won’t be going very far with it. Maybe I’ll start from the pit lane and… I don’t know, we’ll see, but it’s undrivable.”
‘No hope’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/lewis-...ian-grand-prix
Albon says his car won’t be fixed in time to start Brazilian Grand Prix
3rd Nov 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Alexander Albon says his Williams won’t be repaired in time for him to start the Brazilian Grand Prix. “It won’t be fixed,” said Albon, who is convinced he suffered a failure on his car when he crashed at the Senna S.
“I think we had an issue,” he told the official F1 channel. “I know we had an issue. We just need to go through it. Immediately when I hit the brake pedal, there was a beep in my ear, which normally means there’s a failure. And then rear locking and a big crash. So that’s us out for the race, unfortunately.”
“Beep in my ear”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/03/...an-grand-prix/
Marko has doubts about Brazilian Grand Prix going ahead: 'Bad conditions'
3rd Nov 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com
Helmut Marko doubts that the Brazilian Grand Prix will take place this afternoon amid the "very bad conditions" in Sao Paulo. Five drivers are waiting to see if they will be able to participate in the race after crashing in qualifying, with Franco Colapinto, Alex Albon, Lance Stroll, Fernando Alonso and Carlos Sainz all waiting to see if their car will be repaired on time.
"Five cars had accidents, some of them serious. I don't know if that was the right decision, but it is what it is. And now we just have to see what we can do with the situation," Marko told Servus TV. "I think the qualifying took place in very bad conditions," the Austrian stressed, who said he was not sure if there would be any driving later under these conditions.
'Bad conditions'’
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31104...ing-ahead.html
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Verstappen thrilled after stunning Brazilian GP win: 'SIMPLY LOVELY!'
"Wow, been a long time coming mate but boy was that worth the wait. You are the man!" Race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase told Verstappen over the onboard radio after Verstappen crossed the line. The Brazilian Grand Prix winner responded with his signature victory message: ""Yes! What an unbelievable race guys. You know what that is. Simply lovely. I tell you that."
3 Nov 2024
Jeroen Immink
GPblog.com
Max Verstappen brilliantly won the Formula 1 race at Interlagos. In the rain, the Red Bull Racing driver managed to cross the finish line first from a P17 start. Afterwards, Verstappen was ecstatic with the result. The Dutchman had previously not won a race since the Spanish Grand Prix in June.
'SIMPLY LOVELY!';
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31120...rand-prix.html
F1 2024 Brazilian GP Results
Max Verstappen produced a racing masterclass in the rain at Interlagos as he went from P17 to first and ultimate victory at the 2024 Brazilian GP
3 Nov 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport
F1 2024 Brazilian GP – Results
Check out the final 2024 Brazilian GP results below!
Pos Driver Team Time
1 Max Verstappen Red Bull 69 Laps
2 Esteban Ocon Alpine +19.477
3 Pierre Gasly Alpine +22.532
4 George Russell Mercedes +23.265
5 Charles Leclerc Ferrari +30.177
6 Lando Norris McLaren +31.372
7 Yuki Tsunoda RB +42.056
8 Oscar Piastri McLaren +44.943
9 Liam Lawson RB +50.452
10 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes +50.753
‘Max Verstappen produced a racing masterclass’;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...an-gp-results/
Verstappen needs just one word to sum up astonishing Brazilian GP victory
From 17th on the Interlagos grid, Max Verstappen claims arguably the best victory of his F1 career.
3 Nov 2024
Ian Parkes
RacingNews365
"Unbelievable!" That was the word Max Verstappen used to sum up the craziest days of his F1 career that culminated in arguably his greatest victory. From 17th on the Interlagos grid, Verstappen was wheel-perfect in his Red Bull throughout the 69 laps in atrocious conditions to leave him within touching distance of a fourth consecutive F1 drivers' title.
Reflecting on his remarkable drive following a morning qualifying that saw him knocked out in Q2 ahead of taking a five-place grid penalty for his RB20 taking on an additional internal combustion engine, Verstappen said:
"My emotions today have been a rollercoaster with qualifying being really unlucky with that red flag. Starting P17, I knew it was going to be a very tough race, but we stayed out of trouble, we made the right calls, we stayed calm, and we were fine, so all of these things together made that result possible. Unbelievable! To win here from so far back on the grid, yeah..."
"Unbelievable!";
https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...ian-gp-victory
Max Verstappen wins chaotic Brazilian GP in devastating blow to Lando Norris F1 title hopes
The Brazilian Grand Prix was run in persistent rain and saw plenty of crashes, a red flag and a massive swing between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris which looks to have decided the F1 title race
3 Nov 2024
Daniel Moxon
The Mirror
It should have been the day Lando Norris inflicted a significant blow on Max Verstappen's title defence. The Dutchman took victory, smashing Lewis Hamilton's record number of places gained on the way to victory at Interlagos - the seven-time champion won from 10th in 2021 - ahead of the Alpine pair of Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly whose strategy gamble paid off in the form of a double podium.
And the extra point for the fastest lap means Verstappen is now 62 points ahead of Norris in the drivers' standings. With just three rounds left in the season, it will now take a miracle for the McLaren man to deny his rival a fourth-straight championship success.
‘Devastating blow to Lando Norris… … now take a miracle for the McLaren man’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...appen-34026980
F1 Brazil GP 2024: Verstappen makes statement with epic comeback win in São Paulo
The Red Bull driver rose from P17 to P1 in an incredible race, overcoming the frustration of qualifying.
3 Nov 2024
Janete Weinstein
NBC San Diego
The 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix kept F1 fans on the edge of their seats with a dramatic race. Max Verstappen crossed the finish line after Gabriel Medina, three-time world champion and Olympic medalist in Surfing, waved the checkered flag, followed by the Alpine drivers Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly. "My emotions today were a rollercoaster, starting at P17 and finishing first was tough, but we made it," Verstappen said.
It was a brilliant day for Alpine and a disastrous day for McLaren whose lead in the constructors' cup is dwindling after today's results. "The performance in the rain was incredible. The car was difficult to control, but it was a special race for Alpine for sure," Ocon said.
‘Statement with epic comeback win’;
https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/spo...paulo/3665573/
Red Bull “made the right calls” says Verstappen after “unbelievable” win
3rd Nov 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans
While rival Lando Norris made mistakes and lost critical points to him in the battle at the top of the championship standings, Verstappen says he knew how critical is was for him to not make any errors of his own. “Starting P17, I knew that it was going to be a very tough race,” he said. “But we stayed out of trouble, we made the right calls, we stayed calm and we were fine. So all of these things together, of course, made that result possible. It’s unbelievable to win here from so far back on the grid.”
“Made the right calls”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/03/...elievable-win/
Gasly makes 'bingo card' claim after shock Alpine double podium
Alpine has jumped to sixth in the F1 constructors' standings after a shock double podium in São Paulo.
3 Nov 2024
Nick Golding
RacingNews365
Pierre Gasly has claimed that Alpine claiming a shock double podium in the São Paulo Grand Prix was not even on any "bingo cards" following the team's difficult season. "It's incredible for the whole team," said Gasly. "We've had such a tough season, we've struggled to score points. In these conditions, everything was possible, and we believed it until the end, two cars on the podium. I don't think anyone would have got that on their bingo card ahead of the season. So it's just fantastic."
"What a day that was," said Ocon. "After the difficult season, it's really nice to be driving around here and having the performance a bit levelled out with the rain. Someone very important to all of us said a long time ago that, in the rain, the cars are almost equal. And that phrase didn't age at all. I'm very happy to be today on the podium, I think it's been awesome."
“I don't think anyone would have got that on their bingo card”;
https://racingnews365.com/gasly-make...-double-podium
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Verstappen 'invaluable' after all-time great F1 drive – Horner.
"It's a big day for the drivers championship. I never expected to win that, I thought if we could get somewhere near the podium would be an amazing result.” Christian Horner.
3 Nov 2024
Nick Golding
RacingNews365
When asked by Sky Sports F1 how much Verstappen is worth, Horner said: "Max is invaluable. It's impossible to put a number on that. That was a champion's drive. There's some great drivers out there, but to stand out and shine like that today, that marks him out, I think, with some of the greats now.”
"The way he's driven, and even when we've had a difficult car this year, he's never given up. He's gone about collecting the points, he's always trying to get maximum out of the car." Horner recognises that Verstappen's victory is significant in the drivers' title fight and never expected the 27-year-old to claim a famous win.
"So for him to have gone out there and won that race, it was an outstanding drive. Absolutely, he was patient, he attacked when he needed to, and his restart, he came from so far back. Truly, an outstanding drive."
“Trying to get maximum out of the car”;
https://racingnews365.com/verstappen...1-drive-horner
Christian Horner after Max's Brazilian GP victory: 'Masterclass'
3 Nov 2024
Niels Hendrix
Verstappen.nl
Christian Horner, team principal and CEO of Oracle Red Bull Racing, said after the spectacular Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo: “Max put on a masterclass today, he was just brilliant. In these conditions the driver skill really comes out and he was in a league of his own. As a team we got all of the strategy calls right and the car had great pace.”
“What a transformation from this morning when we thought that the top five would have been an incredible drive. To come from 17th on the grid, and through nearly the entire field, it was an incredible performance and one of Max’s very best.”
Horner added: “The team demonstrated today that we are never going to give up, that was evident both at the track and with the whole team back in Milton Keynes. What a great result for the team, and we are going to carry this momentum with us for the final triple header of the season.”
‘Masterclass';
https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5654/
Red Bull: Max Verstappen emulated Ayrton Senna with F1 Brazil GP opening lap run
3 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Verstappen’s charge to the front began with an electric start as he aced the launch to make up six positions on the opening lap to be on the cusp of the points places. Horner compared the reigning F1 champion’s positioning in those initial corners to the renowned European Grand Prix in 1993 which saw Senna rise from fifth to first.
“Max’s mental strength and attitude to deal with that is, you know, is outstanding,” he continued. “I thought his start today, you know, was electric. And that first lap was, you know, up there with Donington 93’, around the outside of Turn 3. I think he passed, what, six cars on the first lap. And then he was the only car that was really making progress, being able to pick cars up so late on the brakes into Turn 1.”
“Whether it was with Lewis [Hamilton], with Oscar Piastri, and then obviously at the restart with Esteban [Ocon]. Then he just controlled the race and pulled away, you know, with ease at sometimes a second a lap. So, on a pretty dreary day, he shone pretty brightly today.”
‘Donington 93’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...ening-lap-run/
Max Verstappen claims Brazilian GP win from 17th on the grid, hailed as 'insane' and 'invaluable'
Nov 4, 2024
Agence france-presse
Firstpost
The Red Bull maestro won a chaotic, rain-lashed race at Interlagos from 17th place on the grid. With title rival Lando Norris slipping from pole to a disappointing sixth place finish in his McLaren, Verstappen now boasts a 62-point lead over the Briton with just three races left. He could wrap up the championship on the streets of Las Vegas in three weeks’ time.
“I was feeling all over the place, a roller-coaster,” he told reporters after his career 62nd win. “My emotions went from wanting to destroy the garage after qualifying to winning the race.” He added: “It’s so unbelievable to win from so far back on the grid after expecting to drop points in the championship.”
“There was so much at stake and I had to be aware of the championship too. So for me this is the best one. The rain came and we stayed out, which was sketchy, and I just had to keep the car on track and the conditions were undriveable – it was like driving a boat or a jet-ski so it was special today.”
‘Unbelievable to win from so far back on the grid’;
https://www.firstpost.com/sports/bra...-13831575.html
Max Verstappen ‘wanted to destroy garage’ before epic Brazil F1 win
Max Verstappen explains the "roller coaster" of emotions he went through before securing a sensational win from 17th in Brazil.
3 Nov 2024
Lewis Larkam
Crash.Net
Max Verstappen said he wanted to “destroy the garage” before his epic win from 17th on the grid at the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The three-time world champion moved to the brink of a fourth world title with a stunning comeback drive in a thrilling and rain-affected race at Interlagos. Verstappen’s statement drive came after he was left enraged by the timing of a red flag as he suffered a shock Q2 exit on Sunday morning in a postponed qualifying session.
‘Brink of a fourth world title’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/105981...-brazil-f1-win
Max Verstappen: Red Bull driver 'emotional' after 'unbelievable' Sao Paulo GP win
Max Verstappen made a stunning comeback drive to win in Brazil on Sunday; Verstappen ranked the performance among his best in Formula 1
3 Nov 2024
Sky Sports
"It's definitely an emotional win. This morning I was very upset and my emotions have been going from left to right today," Verstappen told Sky Sports F1. "I surprised myself today to win here. We had a really good start, stayed out of trouble, made good overtakes and were very fast. We made the right calls with the red flag to stay out. Suddenly the rain came down and it was even undrivable on a wet tyre.
"The calls with the team as well, I know they are super calm and just amazing in helping me as well on the pit wall make the right decisions. In races like this, it's massive to have that." He later added to the written press: "I don't even know where to start, because my emotions today have been from almost trying to destroy the garage to winning the race."
"I surprised myself today to win here”;
https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/31...o-paulo-gp-win
Ocon complimented Verstappen on his race-winning pass
3rd Nov 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans
Esteban Ocon said Alpine’s double podium finish was a “dream” result for the team, but he couldn’t have kept Max Verstappen behind to him. Ocon managed to keep Verstappen behind him at the first rolling restart but said there was no way to keep him back at the second. “Max clearly was quicker on that second stint, so there was no way for me to be fighting,” said Ocon.
“He pulled away very quickly, as I thought he would have done. I told him after the race, I was very impressed on how late he could brake to the inside without locking up the front. That’s what has happened to a lot of drivers. Probably in qualifying, 90% of my laps, I had the front locking into turn one. But yeah, he made it stick, and it was a nice move.”
‘Ocon complimented Verstappen’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/03/...-winning-pass/
Lewis Hamilton sends three-word message to Max Verstappen after winning the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
3 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer
The 2024 Sao Paulo Grand Prix may be looked back on as one of the greatest victories in Red Bull driver Max Verstappen’s Formula 1 career. For only the third time in the history of Formula 1, a driver has started 17th on the grid and gone on to win, with Max Verstappen emulating Kimi Raikkonen who was the last person to achieve the feat.
Posting on Instagram, Verstappen said: “Unbelievable!!! What a roller coaster… SIMPLY LOVELY. Thank you everyone @redbullracing.” Nico Hulkenberg, who was disqualified from the race referred to Verstappen as the greatest of all time, while another man who fits into that category, Lewis Hamilton, said: “Amazing drive, congrats.”
‘One of the greatest victories’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/lew...lo-grand-prix/
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Windsor explains why Norris is wrong: 'Red flag stop wasn't just luck'.
Peter Windsor strongly disagrees that Max Verstappen's victory in the Brazilian Grand Prix was clinched because of a lucky red flag caused by Franco Colapinto.
4 Nov 2024
Corwin Kunst
GPblog.com
"Probably is Max's best-ever win. Now, I know there are lots of chattering voices out there saying, 'oh yeah, but he didn't just go all the way through the field. He had to have the help from the red flag and the Atlas of Strategy call. It was luck, whatever it was. Plus, he was stuck behind Charles for too long, really, to be right up there with the very best, blah, blah, blah'," Windsor said in his latest video.
"Well, the first thing I would say is that I don't think that that red [flag] stop was just luck or even a great strategy call. I think it was Max using the tyres in that first phase of the race better than any other driver on the track. And I say that because of what we could see. What we could see was a recently resurfaced Interlagos on which it was very difficult in the wet to do any of the normal things. In other words, to go offline, to look for the grip," he continued.
"Probably is Max's best-ever win”;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31142...nterlagos.html
Christian Horner speaks out after Lando Norris' 'luck not talent' comment about F1 rival Max Verstappen
The Red Bull team principal his hit out at the McLaren driver's claims.
4 Nov 2024
Ben McCrum
SPORTbible
Red Bull racing team principal Christian Horner has responded to McLaren driver Lando Norris' claims about Max Verstappen after the Brazilian Grand Prix. Speaking after the race, Horner praised his driver and made a bold claim about where he stands among the greatest Formula One drivers of all time.
“For him to have gone out there and won that race, it was an outstanding drive. He was patient and he attacked when he needed to. Truly an outstanding drive," the team principal told Sky Sports. "I think in the wet and the dry he’s the best in the world at the moment.”
Horner's comments come after Verstappen's rival Norris appeared to discredit the Dutch driver's performance, suggesting it was more to do with his luck in the race rather than any talent or ability.
“An outstanding drive”;
https://www.sportbible.com/f1/christ...02644-20241104
Max Verstappen hits back at British critics after São Paulo GP masterclass
4 Nov 2024
giles richards
Yahoo! Sport
Following his triumph in Interlagos, Verstappen said: “I have a quick question. I mean, I appreciate all of you being here, but I don’t see any British press. Do they have to run to the airport, or they don’t know where the press conference is?”
Hill, who won the 1996 drivers’ championship, had compared him to the Wacky Races villain Dick Dastardly, while Brundle said the Dutch driver’s legacy was being “tainted” in the wake of his 20-second penalty in Mexico for forcing Norris off the road twice. Herbert, now an FIA steward, claimed Verstappen’s driving had been “harsh” and “over the top”.
“I don’t see any British press”;
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/max...efE0RNLDx1Bj0Z
GianPiero Lambiase’s bet against Max Verstappen revealed by Helmut Marko
4 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Lambiase was again the victim of a Marko bet in Brazil as they bet on whether or not Verstappen, who had to line up P17 on the grid, could reach the podium. Marko said yes, Lambiase said no and Verstappen not only put his RB20 on the podium, but he won the race by a staggering 20 seconds.
“With Max’s engineer, I bet Max would finish on the podium. GP didn’t think so,” Marko told De Telegraaf. “We put a hundred dollars on it. But I only said a podium and no victory… Max always wants to do better.”
‘Marko said yes, Lambiase said no’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/helmut...zil-gp-f1-2024
How Verstappen’s emotions went from “almost destroying the garage to winning”
NOV 4, 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog
Verstappen qualified 12th after getting caught by a red flag in Q2, after which he made his frustration clear. He then dropped to 17th on the grid due to a five-place PU change penalty. He was up to 11th by the end of lap 1 and had risen to fifth when a VSC emerged on lap 27.
While many drivers took the opportunity to pit for fresh inters Esteban Ocon and Verstappen opted not to and moved into first and second immediately before a red flag gave them a free tyre change. Soon after the resumption Verstappen moved past Ocon into the lead and he set a series of fastest laps as he pulled away to a comfortable win, giving his title campaign a massive boost.
Verstappen insisted that he only realised that he could win the race when he passed Ocon. “When I got past Esteban in Turn 1. I mean, before that, the pace was there, I was just trying to build it up slowly. Because after the red flag, the restart was very fast. And then just when the safety car actually came out, I was starting to catch him a bit. But then the tyres were, again, very cold. And then in the restart, I got by.”
‘Could win the race when he passed Ocon’;
https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/04/...ge-to-winning/
Glock praises: 'Verstappen can be mentioned in the same breath as Schumacher'
4 Nov 2024
Corwin Kunst
GPblog.com
"In terms of his qualities in the rain, in terms of his qualities as a driver, you can mention Max Verstappen in the same breath as Michael Schumacher," Glock said on the German branch of Sky Sports. "Max is incredibly good, what he always performs in the race is extraordinary. It's unique, even if the world title is still some time away."
Lando Norris has missed out. A first world championship for him has been made all but impossible by his sixth-place finish at Interlagos. "That obviously hurts, because he knows there was a great opportunity in Brazil. Who would have thought that Verstappen would win the race from 17th place? And that instead of a smaller lead, he actually only extended his gap to Lando," the German said.
"Max is incredibly good”;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31146...er-brazil.html
Charles Leclerc makes his feelings clear on Max Verstappen after 'luck not talent' comment from Lando Norris
Leclerc has commented on Verstappen's win.
4 Nov 2024
Ryan Smart
SPORTbible
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has made his feelings clear on Max Verstappen's performance at the Brazilian Grand Prix after comments by Lando Norris. Speaking after the race, meanwhile, Leclerc - who finished fifth and is now mathematically out of championship contention - gave his verdict on Verstappen's victory.
He said: "We knew the Red Bull would be good today. But honestly I think today it was more Max that made the difference than the car." Leclerc was ahead of Verstappen during the first stint, but Ferrari elected to pit him early for fresh tyres and he rejoined in traffic behind Hamilton and Oliver Bearman.
The Monagasque driver was down in sixth at the final safety car restart, but passed Norris following his error and then George Russell. Russell would later re-pass Leclerc, meaning he ended the Grand Prix in fifth place.
“More Max that made the difference than the car”;
https://www.sportbible.com/f1/charle...68095-20241104
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Alpine duo reflect on troubled relationship after '$30 million' podiums.
Despite their close childhood as karting friends in Northern France, Ocon and Gasly have had at times a strained relationship, including in F1.
4 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
Their two-three result was the best for 'Team Enstone' since a similar result for Romain Grosjean and Kimi Raikkonen at the 2013 Korean GP, with Gasly reflecting on the "very personal relationship" with his soon-to-be-ex-team-mate. "I don't think anyone can understand, it's a very personal relationship between Esteban and myself," he told media including RacingNews365.
"But we've been going through so much, all these times we've had, like over winter, minus 5 degrees outside, we were the only ones showing up at the go-kart track, going out in the rain, in the snow, on slick tyres at 9, 10, 11 years old. We've really practised these conditions. And on a day like this, I can tell you this actually made the difference, all that practice.”
"I remember us getting back in the truck and trying to get warm after a few laps because we were absolutely freezing. And it's just that we've had our ups and downs. But in this two-year chapter as team-mates, I think we can be very proud of the way we've pushed the team forward."
“Only ones showing up at the go-kart track”;
https://racingnews365.com/alpine-duo...illion-podiums
Alpine boss Oakes buzzing after double podium: "Can see how much it means"
4 Nov 2024
Olly Darcy
GPblog.com
Alpine team principal Oliver Oakes has said "you can see how much it means" to the French team after they earned a sublime double podium at the Brazilian Grand Prix. "Since Austin, we have more pace, with this upgrade," Oakes explained after the Grand Prix at Interlagos. "Even yesterday with Pierre, it was a strong [Sprint] race. Credit to everyone today because the drivers have just said then in the debrief they didn't put a foot wrong in tricky conditions. Also strategy, those calls, everything. It was a good day. Even with the pace in the race, Esteban was very strong. Credit to Max [Verstappen]. He's impressive as well in those conditions."
Oakes knows how big of a result it was for the team: "I was thinking this earlier, you've got to enjoy the moment, but also be humble because there's still quite a few races left, isn't there? I think more for the team as a whole, at the beginning of the season, they got a lot of mud slung at them, or a bit of stick. You can see how much it means to them."
‘Oakes buzzing’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31148...in-brazil.html
Alpine duo commend team’s resilience after ‘incredible’ Brazil GP
Arguably the most dramatic race of the 2024 season so far...
Nov 4, 2024
Freddie Cotton
FormulaNerds
Alpine drivers Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon have praised the team’s resilience this year after their double podium finish at the São Paulo Grand Prix. Whilst they had to endure a dismal first 20 races of the season, Alpine will certainly view their weekend in Brazil as worth the wait. Speaking to Formula 1 media after the chequered flag, Gasly expressed his delight with the team’s weekend and praised the Alpine crew for persevering through such a tough year:
“I’m absolutely buzzing right now! I’m just so proud of the team. To overcome such a tough season… it would have been too easy to give up but we never gave up and here we are. Both cars P2 and P3, a lot of points for the team and everyone should be very proud today.”
“It’s incredible for the whole team. We had such a tough season, we’ve struggled to score points. In these conditions everything was possible. No one believed it until the end – two cars on the podium, I don’t think anyone would have got that on their bingo card ahead of this season. It’s just fantastic.”
‘Team’s resilience’;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/al.../?nowprocket=1
Briatore hails Alpine F1's 30 million euro pay-day
Sunday at Interlagos may have been worth a whopping 30 million euros to the struggling Alpine team.
4 Nov 2024
GrandPrix.com
“Without taking anything away from an incredible Ocon in the wet and a Gasly who did his job well, today we were also lucky”, Briatore told Sky Italia. “I think we have a car that is better in the wet. Unfortunately I don't think the next three races will be wet”, the Italian lamented. “But today we saw with all these young drivers presented as a new phenomena how much experience still counts in Formula 1.”
“This year we did more of a house cleaning”, said Briatore, "and we're still doing it. We made only one real evolutionary step so as not to disturb the 2025 project, and the step we took was in the direction of 2025 in any case. That is all I authorised. It went well, because this year many teams took steps back when they brought updates. So well done to our engineers.”
He said: "We need to get back to having people working for a racing team and not for a corporate company. We have gone back to how Renault was before. Those who are left exclusively deal with the team and F1. Everyone else has gone”, revealed Briatore. “When I arrived there were 1150 people, now we are 850. We have put things back the way they should be, with the team based in Great Britain independent from everything else,” said Briatore.
‘30 million euro pay-day’;
https://www.grandprix.com/news/briat...o-pay-day.html
Bingo! Alpine strike F1 jackpot at Brazilian Grand Prix
4 Nov 2024
The Straits Times
Alpine hit a possible €29.2 million (S$41.9 million) jackpot in Brazil on Nov 3, when French pair Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly finished second and third respectively...
“We have struggled to score points and in these conditions everything was possible,” said Gasly, who also scored two points with seventh in the sprint on Nov 2. No one believed it until the end. Two cars on the podium. I don’t think anyone would have got that on their bingo card ahead of the season.”
Former boss Flavio Briatore, now an executive adviser who reports to Renault Group CEO Luca de Meo, clarified the figure to Sky Italia. “It’s 29.2 million (euros). It’s the first thing I asked,” he told Sky. The joy and relief were evident as mechanics and engineers celebrated in the pit lane.
‘Alpine strike F1 jackpot’;
https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/f...ian-grand-prix
Esteban Ocon shares what was ‘worth it’ after securing Sao Paulo Grand Prix podium
4 Nov 2024
Shay Rogers
F1 Oversteer
Esteban Ocon says extra sleep was ‘worth it’. As a result of the torrential rain that fell over the circuit on Saturday, qualifying was postponed and rescheduled for early Sunday morning. That meant an early wake-up call for the drivers, who were impacted by the race time being brought forward to account for any delays that would be required.
Max Verstappen must have slept well, as he dominated for Red Bull to claim an emphatic victory from 17th on the grid. However, as he revealed on X (formerly known as Twitter) after the race, Esteban Ocon enjoyed some extra sleep before the race. “That extra minute of sleep was DEFINITELY worth it – iykyk.”
‘Extra sleep was worth it’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/est...d-prix-podium/
Pierre Gasly: Alpine Brazil GP podium built on ‘personal relationship’ with Esteban Ocon
4 Nov 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week
Pierre Gasly: “…minus 5 degrees outside, we were the only ones showing up at the go-kart track, going out in the rain, in the snow, slick tyres, 9, 10, 11 years old. We’ve really practiced these conditions. And on a day like today, I can tell you this actually made the difference, all that practice. I remember us getting back in the truck trying to get warm after a few laps because we were absolutely freezing.”
Given the team’s tumultuous history, it’s no shock that the last time the team scored a double podium was all the way back in 2013. In those days, Alpine was known as Lotus Renault and Kimi Raikkonen stood with Romain Grosjean on the Korean GP podium.
Team Enstone has been on a downward spiral since, but Gasly said that his two years at Alpine with Ocon is something they can be “very proud” of. “We’ve had our ups and downs,” he said. “But this two years chapter as team-mates, I think we can be very proud of the way we’ve pushed the team forward.”
“Practiced these conditions”;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...-esteban-ocon/
Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon share ‘beautiful’ childhood story after Sao Paulo Grand Prix podiums
4 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer
Ocon: “Do you remember in Anvil when we were driving in the rain?”
Gasly: “Even in the snow! Takes me back to the days when we were the only ones turning up at the karting track, freezing cold in the rain, it’s all worth it.”
Ocon: “It paid off today and I tell you, when we did the formation in the in-lap that was the first thing that came to my mind.”
Gasly: “What a beautiful story that is. This is a moment of a lifetime, as a kid from where we came from to end up as teammates was against all odds, but to end up on the same podium is more against all odds.”
‘Beautiful childhood story’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/pie...-prix-podiums/
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Russell reveals anger at Mercedes’ costly Brazil GP strategy call.
After the race, Russell was left to rue what could have been if events would have fallen differently for him over the course of the race. Nov 5, 2024
Freddie Cotton
FormulaNerds
Speaking to Formula 1 media in parc ferme, the British driver outlined how he was disgruntled by the decision as he had made his desire to stay out clear to the team: “Leading from the front is much easier. Where we could have ended up, I don’t know, but I was pretty angry at the time because I wanted to stay out.”
“My take is that if we had have stayed out, we would have been first at the restart ahead of [Esteban] Ocon, Max [Verstappen] and Gasly.” Russell then went on to highlight how, besides the mistake, the team manged his race well in adverse conditions: “It was very challenging, but we were comfortable, in those first 30 laps, everything was under control. We had a 12-second gap to P3, just managing my gap with Lando.”
“Obviously those three laps were very, very difficult in the middle, and that’s why I wanted to stay because I felt very, very confident this will go Safety Car or a red flag. Inevitably, it did because it was undriveable.” Although he will undoubtedly be disappointed with how his race concluded, Russell’s P4 finish moved him above teammate Lewis Hamilton in the World Drivers’ Championship Standings.
“I wanted to stay out”;
https://www.formulanerds.com/news/ru.../?nowprocket=1
Russell on Mercedes VSC strategy call: “Sometimes you have to trust your gut…”
NOV 4, 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog
Russell was adamant that his preference to stay out was the correct one. “From the team’s perspective it’s not obvious at all,” he said of the decision to pit. “From the cockpit it was very clear it was going to be a red flag or safety car, because the conditions were undriveable. The rain was not easing, and I could see the big black cloud above me. And then I had Shov [Andrew Shovlin] jump on, like overruling my engineer to say box.”
“We’re working as a team. We’re trying to make the best decisions in the time. Clearly, the guys who didn’t pit, they finished one-two-three, and we finished the highest of the drivers who did so. I would take a small slice of satisfaction from that. Sometimes you have to trust your gut. Last time I trusted my gut, it went down pretty well.”
“Today who knows if we could have won the race, but if we didn’t pit, we would have been leading at the restart, and the first 30 laps, controlling the pace with Lando behind, we had very good straight line speed as well. P2 would have been a minimum.”
“Sometimes you have to trust your gut…”;
https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/04/...rust-your-gut/
Why Russell believes he would've won if Mercedes had listened to him
4 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com
Russell would have preferred to stay out, but he was overruled by his race engineer. "It did [cost the win]. We're in this together as a team. Already taking P4 ahead of the weekend, we'll get over it. Sometimes it’s difficult to predict what's about to happen. Everybody’s doing their best and making the best calls with the information available," he said on Sky Sports.
"Normally when it's drying, it’s the team’s to say, ‘Let's go to slicks.’ When it's getting wetter, it's normally the driver's call to say, ‘Slicks to inters, or inters to wets.’ I was very confident it was going to go safety car or red flag because it was like driving a boat," he added.
‘If Mercedes had listened to him’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31147...-mercedes.html
George Russell regrets obeying Mercedes order at Brazilian GP after engineer 'overruled'
George Russell finished fourth at the Brazilian GP over the weekend in a sodden Sao Paulo and the Mercedes star has now opened up on the decision not to pit during the race
4 Nov 2024
Daniel Orme
The Mirror
George Russell has been left to rue his decision to pit during the chaotic Brazilian GP. Explaining the orders he received, Russell said: “It was 'box'. I said 'stay out'. It was 'box' again, it was 'stay out', I said. And they said 'box' again. As I said, 'I want to stay out'. And then the last one, you’ve got to go for it...
“Sometimes you have to trust your gut. Last time I trusted my gut, it went down pretty well. Today, who knows if we could have won the race? But if we didn't pit, we would have been leading at the restart and the first 30 laps controlling the pace. With Lando behind us, we had very good straightline speed as well. P2 would have been a minimum.”
‘Regrets obeying Mercedes order’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...appen-34031791
George Russell ‘shocked’ by FIA decision during Sao Paulo Grand Prix
4 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer
George Russell was left ‘shocked’ by the decision made by FIA Race Control to continue racing as the rain got heavier during the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. The race was interrupted after 30 laps when a shower hit the circuit and increased the amount of rainfall, prompting some drivers to pit for a new set of Intermediate tyres including Russell.
The Mercedes driver pitted while leading the race along with second-placed Lando Norris, however, it turned out to be the wrong call when the Safety Car was deployed due to poor visibility. This was upgraded to a red flag when Franco Colapinto crashed on the main straight, enabling everyone who didn’t pit to get a free pit stop while sitting in the pits.
Russell questioned why the FIA Race Control decided to take as long as they did to neutralise the race when it was clear drivers were struggling in the increasingly difficult conditions at the Interlagos circuit when speaking to Sky Sports.
‘Decision made by FIA Race Control to continue racing as the rain got heavier’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/geo...lo-grand-prix/
Mercedes has "a lot of things to debrief", claims Russell
4 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical
A seemingly disheartened Russell said after the challenging race: "That was an intense race and there’s lots for us to debrief and learn from. I got a good start and I was surprised at the pace in the opening stint – we didn’t have the right tyre pressures on the set, and we were expecting them to drop off, so that was encouraging.”
"When the VSC came with the heavy rain, I was in favour of staying out as I thought there would be a red flag – it was like driving a point at points, with the aquaplaning on the straights. I pitted and so did Lando, and we ended up P4 and P6 at the finish, while the cars that stayed out finished ahead.”
"A lot of things to debrief";
https://www.f1technical.net/news/25778
George Russell sends three-word message to Pierre Gasly after surprise Sao Paulo Grand Prix podium
4 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer
Alpine started the Sao Paulo Grand Prix sitting only ahead of the pointless Sauber team in the standings. However, an extraordinary performance from Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly has earned Alpine their best points tally of the season. Oliver Oakes’s team started the weekend on 14 points, eyeing a battle with Williams for 8th place in the Constructors’ Championship. However, Gasly proved in the Sprint Race that Alpine may have taken a much-needed step forward, converting his 7th-place start into two vital points.
Alpine then gambled on their strategy after a turbulent qualifying session and it paid off brilliantly. Ocon was in the running for a podium finish before Franco Colapinto’s crash brought out the red flag, while Gasly had kept his car on the road when many drivers around him were spinning off. The pair could then put on fresh intermediate tyres in the break – alongside Max Verstappen – and that led the French team to secure their first double-podium finish since 2013.
George Russell sends message to Pierre Gasly after Brazilian Grand Prix podium. Posting a photo of himself with Ocon and Verstappen holding his trophy, Gasly simply said: “What a Sunday!” Russell replied to his post and congratulated him by saying: “Great job mate!”
‘Three-word message’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/geo...d-prix-podium/
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Leclerc frustrated at “wrong direction” that left Ferrari “nowhere” in Interlagos rain.
Charles Leclerc admits that his Ferrari Formula 1 team was “nowhere” at a wet Interlagos on Sunday, and he took part of the responsibility for a wrong turn on setup that didn’t pay off.
4 Nov 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog
“I think I’m partly to blame for it,” Leclerc said when asked by this writer about the SF-24’s poor wet weather form. Because obviously we decide the setups together with the team, and today I wanted to go into that direction.”
“However it was the wrong one, for sure. And today, the pace was just not there. I think in qualifying, we actually weren’t too bad. With the new tyres, low fuel, you can extract more out of the car. But in the race, we were nowhere.”
“Wrong direction”;
https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/04/...terlagos-rain/
Leclerc: ‘The car was extremely difficult to drive’
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Charles Leclerc called his Sao Paulo Grand Prix as “damage limitation” exercise after he finished P5 – and in front of both McLarens – for Ferrari.
“Damage limitation”;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/le...26957824050984
How Leclerc “paid the price” for Ferrari’s bold but flawed strategy
4th Nov 2024
Keith Collantine
RaceFans
“We paid the price a lot,” Leclerc told the official F1 channel. “In the first stop we stopped too early and ended up in the traffic and that cost us three or four positions. So then to come back from that was very difficult. But P5 in front of both McLarens, at least it’s a damage limitation weekend where we are only losing four points to them today, which could have been a lot worse.”
Both Ferrari drivers complained the SF-24 suffered poor balance in the wet conditions. Carlos Sainz Jnr crashed twice and Leclerc said they were “just not fast enough.” “The car was extremely difficult to drive,” he explained. “Very, very pointy, very digital, very oversteer-y and it was very difficult to drive.”
“On the other hand, I felt with what we had, we did the best, more or less, we could do,” he added. “If you look at the top three, I think these are the three drivers that put no foot wrong on such a long race, and this is very difficult, and they deserve to be on the podium.”
“Paid the price”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/04/...awed-strategy/
Leclerc: ‘Every time I was on a lap there was a red flag’
03 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc wasn’t happy with his P6 grid slot at Interlagos, and bemoaned the frequent red flag interruptions in the session. “Nothing went out way today,” he said.
‘Red flags’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/le...04935517809465
F1 fans deliver FIA judgement after Verstappen-Leclerc F-bomb furore
Seems like the FIA has over-reacted on this one according to fans.
4 Nov 2024
RacingNews365 Staff
RacingNews365
The FIA has been accused of over-reacting following the use of the f-word by Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in recent official press conferences. The Red Bull and Ferrari drivers were handed different punishments by motorsport's governing body, which raised eyebrows as the FIA took it upon itself to differentiate the use of profanity.
Verstappen's penalty resulted in a boycott of the following FIA press conferences that weekend in Singapore from the Dutchman, who instead conducted separate media briefings. Leclerc, meanwhile, received a €10,000 fine - €5,000 suspended for 12 months - after swearing during an FIA press conference following the Mexico City GP.
‘Verstappen-Leclerc F-bomb furore’;
https://racingnews365.com/f1-fans-de...-f-bomb-furore
Charles Leclerc boldly backs Max Verstappen in Lando Norris rift with 'very false' claim
Charles Leclerc has weighed in on the drama between the two title contenders.
Nov 4, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express
Verstappen has been heavily criticized in the paddock for his driving standards, but Leclerc is not convinced that the detractions levied at the Red Bull driver have been totally fair. “The second move on Lando, I think this is over the limit,” he said. “I also think that whoever [you put] in his position might just do the same, because we are fighting for a world title and I think it would be very false to say that drivers will do something different today.”
He then continued: “He feels that the car that he has is not as good as the beginning of the season. He feels that McLaren probably [has] really good momentum at the moment and they are all fighting for the drivers’ title. So it’s hard. Sometimes he will go over the limit, like he did in Mexico. But again, they are fighting for a world title. So in my opinion it’s understandable. Then it’s up to the FIA to control that and obviously put limits to what is possible or not. And on that, we are trying to work to make it the best possible.”
‘Charles Leclerc boldly backs Max Verstappen’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...n-Lando-Norris
Charles Leclerc picks sides in Max Verstappen vs Lando Norris after 'very false' claims
Charles Leclerc has defended Max Verstappen in the wake of his controversial moves while duelling on track with title rival Lando Norris, insisting that any driver in his position 'might just do the same'
4 Nov 2024
Daniel Moxon
The Mirror
Charles Leclerc thinks any driver in Max Verstappen's shoes would be just as aggressive as he has been towards challenger Lando Norris.
‘Controversial moves’;
https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...clerc-34030999
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Why Max Verstappen's win in Brazil means that the wheels have fallen off Lando Norris’ title aspirations.
A horrifying capitulation at the Brazilian Grand Prix has seen Lando Norris’ world championship dreams all but dissipate.
5 Nov 2024
Oliver van Bronswijk
The Roar
Poor racecraft coupled with a bad mindset signifies world championship aspirations remain far-fetched for the McLaren driver. Norris finished the Grand Prix in Sao Paulo a crushing sixth whilst Verstappen was victorious. Disbarring the Britan’s procedural error, leading the grid off after an abandoned start led to only a fine. A penalty could’ve been well justified adding to a catastrophic Sunday.
The potential for danger was high in an Interlagos storm and many assumed Norris would face a time penalty for his actions. Worst yet was Norris’ demeanour succeeding the race. In response to the red flag, Norris dismissed Verstappen’s fortune stating, “You take a gamble and it’s paid off for them. It’s not talent, it’s just luck.”
This attitude articulates an inability to look within. Failure to lead and build a gap in wet conditions cost Norris a chance at victory. Verstappen likely would have still triumphed but leading mitigates the threat, Norris is incapable of executing the aforementioned. Norris has also shown throughout the season a high degree of self-blame, which can be harmful to a driver’s confidence.
‘Poor racecraft coupled with a bad mindset’;
https://www.theroar.com.au/2024/11/0...e-aspirations/
‘Can just hear him saying’: James Hunt would have been ‘infuriated’ by what Lando Norris did at Sao Paulo Grand Prix
6 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
James Hunt would have seethed at Lando Norris for not passing George Russell – Peter Windsor Speaking on the Cameron CC YouTube channel, F1 journalist and former team member Peter Windsor lamented Norris’ failure to clear Russell. He felt that McLaren legend James Hunt would have been ‘infuriated’ watching him sit behind the Mercedes.
He said: “If James Hunt was doing the BBC commentary yesterday on the Brazilian Grand Prix, I can just hear him saying to Murray Walker after three laps ‘well come on Lando, leave it two more laps you’re never going to get past Mr Russell, come on, you can do it, you’ve got a much better car, stop messing around’. I can just see him saying that. He would have been infuriated by Lando just sitting there. And after a while, George metaphorically just turned the mirrors off.”
‘Infuriated’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/jam...lo-grand-prix/
Bernie Ecclestone's take on Max Verstappen's Brazilian GP win speaks volumes after Lando Norris' 'luck not talent' comment
Lando Norris finished in a lowly sixth place in the Brazilian Grand Prix.
5 Nov 2024
Marcus Chan
After the race, Lando Norris received heavy criticism for his comments about Verstappen’s win. The McLaren driver said: “That’s life sometimes. you take a gamble (waiting for a red flag for a ‘free pitstop’), it’s paid off for them. it’s not talent, it’s just luck”. Speaking about Verstappen’s victory, Red Bull team boss Christian Horner revealed what Ecclestone told him during a phone call.
He said: “Bernie rang me after the race and said, 'I've seen all the greats; and that's one of the very best I've ever seen'. He's a bit older than I am and seen a bit more, so high credit from someone like him.” Horner than compared Verstappen’s first lap to F1 legend Ayrton Senna’s famous start at Donnington Park back in 1993. He added: “Today was an emotional rollercoaster because we knew we had a good car. Max's mental strength and attitude to deal with that is outstanding, and I thought his start today was electric.”
‘Speaks volumes’;
https://www.sportbible.com/f1/max-ve...38226-20241105
Painful Sunday for Norris: 'Not good when you get beaten up so badly'
5 Nov 2024
Corwin Kunst
GPblog.com
Lando Norris now needs a miracle to win his first Formula 1 world title in 2024. Max Verstappen, on the other hand, has one hand on the trophy. However, Christian Danner saw Verstappen deal a blow to Norris and all of the F1 drivers on the grid.
"That was an incredible blow to his opponents. Max ended up driving one fastest lap after another. He showed his opponents that he is very much better," former Formula 2 champion Danner told ServusTV. "Besides the masterclass driving, it is also the mental stability that deeply impressed me. While there was a bit of luck involved, the deciding factor was staying cool in the most difficult conditions. And he stayed that way."
The analyst believes the McLaren driver was lucky to get away with a reprimand for pulling away at the aborted start. "He made a mistake just driving away, when everyone should know: only drive away when it is green," he said. "All in all, the weekend in São Paulo was certainly not good for Norris' confidence. It's not good when you get beaten up so badly. He made quite a few mistakes."
‘Lucky to get away with a reprimand’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31162...1-drivers.html
Zak Brown told what he should have said to Lando Norris after ‘lucky’ Max Verstappen comments
5 Nov 2024
Tyler Rowlinson
F1 Oversteer
Zak Brown should have told Lando Norris to ‘learn’ from Max Verstappen’s onboards in Sao Paulo. Speaking on the Cameron Cc YouTube channel, Peter Windsor outlined what Zak Brown should have said to Norris following his comments about Verstappen’s victory.
“The only thing I think is a bit disappointing is that, as Zak Brown, and I suppose you could never rely on a Stella doing this, but a Zak Brown doesn’t say to Lando: ‘wow, Max was unbelievable today,” he said. “We need to go and watch the videos, there’s a few things we can do there that Max was doing. We’ll get it right next time Lando, you drove really well mate. Don’t go thinking this was a lucky win because it wasn’t. We don’t want to go down that path.”
‘Learn’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/zak...ppen-comments/
Lando Norris telemetry data shows the start of his Brazilian GP downfall
4 Nov 2024
Pablo Hidalgo
PlanetF1.com
Lando Norris, who started the race in first place and alongside Fernando Alonso as the driver who lost the most positions to eventually finish sixth, and Oscar Piastri was unable to take advantage of the MCL38’s superior performance to put in a good result.
With the red flag, Lando Norris dropped to P4 behind these three drivers and Oscar Piastri dropped to P8 as Pierre Gasly held on the track and gained seven positions.
From here on, Norris lost his temper and made several big mistakes in the rain. The McLaren driver went wide at Turn 4 on the restart and lost position to Russell again to drop to P5. Piastri managed to at least gain a position on Yuki Tsunoda to move up to P7.
‘Norris lost his temper’;
https://www.planetf1.com/features/la...an-gp-downfall
Bit to learn: Eddie Jordan tells Lando Norris to ‘toughen up’ after watching the Sao Paulo Grand Prix
6 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer
Eddie Jordan tells Lando Norris to ‘toughen up’ after the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Jordan was asked if there would be a reshuffle in the established order on the grid if the regulations were changed and said:
“I reflect back to all of the years that happened and we know how tough the Prost/Senna days were with Mansell in there banging wheels and everything. They were tough days. And at the moment, there are a couple of drivers who still have to toughen themselves up. I include in that Lando. Lando has a bit of learn, he’s got unbelievable speed, there’s absolutely no doubt.”
‘Bit to learn’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/edd...lo-grand-prix/
Lando Norris has one more year to show he's worthy of becoming Formula One champion after Max Verstappen closes in on yet another title, writes JONATHAN McEVOY
4 Nov 2024
Jonathan McEvoy
MailOnline
Lando Norris was tetchy after losing - or, barring miracles, losing - the Formula One championship of the world to a force of nature called Max Verstappen. The McLaren man's comments in Sao Paulo on Sunday night were defensive. He will regret, and I guess recant, saying that it was not talent but 'luck' that permitted his Dutch rival to win the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Verstappen, starting 17th, gobbled up three cars at Turn 3 on the outside on the opening laps, shades of no less than Ayrton Senna at Donington in 1993, and then there was composure and skill to keep his Red Bull on the road, and devastatingly fast, as several of the other best drivers of their time slithered off it multiple times.
So, you can only excuse Norris for having come up against a talent so numinous you can't stop it. To borrow from boxing, Norris was a latter-day Frank Bruno, an accomplished fighter for sure but one who stood no chance in Las Vegas going up against 'Iron' Mike Tyson that ill-balanced night in 1997.
‘Lando Norris was tetchy after losing - or, barring miracles, losing’;
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...AN-McEVOY.html
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How Tsunoda's "P1" gamble was ruined by F1's red flag rules.
Tsunoda lost out under red flag conditions at Interlagos as rivals earned free tyre changes.
Nov 6, 2024
Ewan GaleOleg Karpov
Motorsport.com
"I think what we did, switching to extreme, that was good," explained Tsunoda. "Just the safety car and the red flag came out, that was the point that went very down. If the red flag didn't come out, probably I would, at some point, have overtaken a lot of cars and maybe [been] P1, but it just didn't come towards us."
Lawson also scored points as RB locks into a fight for sixth in the constructors' standings, albeit losing ground to double podium-scoring Alpine. Having stressed the importance of the result for the Faenza-based team, Tsunoda added: "It wasn't easy conditions. If you lose concentration, [it can have] a lot of consequence.
"I enjoyed the last stint, good fight with Oscar [Piastri]. I tried to be within 10 seconds. You know, could have done a lot of things wrong, but kept it clean and tried to score P7, which is good."
‘Tsunoda's "P1" gamble’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/t...ules/10671078/
‘A lot of things didn’t come towards us’ – Tsunoda on dropping from third to P7
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
RB’s Yuki Tsunoda started the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in third place, but ultimately crossed the line on race day in P7.
‘Didn’t come towards us’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/a-...27756973332451
Yuki Tsunoda hails RB turnaround as he bags career-high F1 start in Brazil
3 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Yuki Tsunoda hailed RB’s turnaround as he secured his highest-ever starting position in Formula 1 with third place during a wet qualifying at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “Yeah, very happy, obviously,” Tsunoda told media including Motorsport Week.
“At the same time, it’s going to be a long race. It’s going to be today as well, so I have to refocus. But definitely, overall, the team did a fantastic job, especially good turnaround from yesterday.”
“It just felt weird throughout the week so far, and we made a lot of changes to the car. I think it’s hard to compare between yesterday and today because of rain and dry, but I think the car got much better.”
‘Yuki Tsunoda hails RB turnaround’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...art-in-brazil/
F1 - 2024 São Paulo Grand Prix Post-Qualifying Press Conference Transcript
03.11.24
FIA.com
Q: Congratulations, Yuki. Top three start here in São Paulo. Best career start, under incredibly difficult conditions. Just walk us through your session and the challenge of getting that perfect lap in those tricky conditions. Yuki TSUNODA: Yeah, it was very tricky. Certainly, I enjoyed it. I think we had a good pace from straightaway. Had a couple of mistakes, but yeah, had a bit of luck as well. I think overall as a team, including Liam as well, we did a really, really good job.
Q: Yuki, as a driver, how tough is it to balance that risk versus reward, especially when you're seeing other drivers crash, have incidents when you know the Grand Prix is just in a few hours, and that a big incident could eliminate you from even starting the race?
YT: Yeah, I mean, this track especially, probably is one of the trickiest tracks. Once you start building confidence and you try to over-push a little bit, you have massive consequences like we saw with multiple cars today. And I had one big moment, and luckily I was away from the barrier, but, yeah, it's certainly also the track you want to nail it. But, yeah, I feel much better than yesterday. The car felt good. I think we had a good pace in the rain as well, so it's a good place to start for today.
‘Best career start, under incredibly difficult conditions’;
https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-sao...nce-transcript
‘We did a very good job as a team’ – Tsunoda beaming after taking P3 on the grid in Sao Paulo
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
RB’s Yuki Tsunoda put in a stellar performance to take third on the grid in a wet and chaotic qualifying session at Interlagos on Sunday morning.
‘Stellar performance’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/we...05842555879568
Russell and Norris fined, Tsunoda and Lawson escape penalty for aborted start
4 Nov 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical
Lawson and Tsunoda escaped any sanction as the stewards reckoned that "although the drivers breached the regulation this was influenced by the driver ahead of him and as such he was not predominately responsible for the breach. As such the stewards decide to take no further action having held the driver immediately ahead of him at fault."
‘Influenced by the driver ahead”;
https://www.f1technical.net/news/25777
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Piastri: Brake issues led to a “tough day” at Interlagos.
Oscar Piastri says braking issues and an overall lack of speed in the latter stages contributed to a “tough day” at Interlagos that saw the McLaren driver finish in eighth place.
7 Nov 2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog
“The first half of the race, we seemed very quick. Lando was stuck behind George. I was stuck behind Liam. I got Liam out of the way, not really in the way I intended. But yeah, I think the second half of the race, after the red flag, we were just slow. think both of us just struggled with pace, and that was a pretty tough 30 laps.”
Regarding the clash with Lawson he said: “I went for a move. I was stuck behind him for a long time. Didn’t really get far enough alongside, and I spoke to him about it, and he said he didn’t see me either, which, in those conditions is fair enough. But I think it was clearly my mistake. And the penalty was deserved. So just a tough day.”
“Tough day”;
https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/07/...at-interlagos/
‘Fair enough’: What Oscar Piastri and Liam Lawson did in the pit lane after Sao Paulo Grand Prix collision
3 Nov 2024
Ben Evans
F1 Oversteer
The race stewards deemed Piastri responsible for his crash with Lawson in the Sao Paulo GP, so slapped the McLaren star with a 10-second time penalty as well as two penalty points on his licence. Piastri also holds his hands up despite Lawson admitting he did not see the dive.
“I was stuck behind [Lawson] for a long time,” Piastri shared, via Auto Action. “I didn’t really get far enough alongside. I spoke to him about it and he said that he didn’t see me either, which in those conditions is fair enough. It was clearly my mistake and the penalty was deserved, it’s just a tough day.”
‘Fair enough’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/osc...nd-prix-crash/
‘Can’t race like this’: Piastri’s desperate radio plea as Aussie cops penalty over rare blunder
Nov 4th, 2024
Fox Sports (Australia)
It was a day to forget in Sao Paulo for Oscar Piastri and his team, McLaren. The Australian finished eighth as world championship leader Max Verstappen stunningly pushed through the field to claim victory after starting from 17th, and widen the gap on Piastri’s teammate Lando Norris in the title race.
Mid-race, the New Zealander was spun by the Australian in a little trans-Tasman showdown at the first turn. Piastri accepted full responsibility for the incident post-race. “[The penalty] was deserved. I didn’t get far enough up. I apologised in the red flag. Just one of those days,” he said.
“It was tricky, just trying to stay on track at some points was very tough.” Visibility was low and the track saturated as the downpours which plagued the weekend made life tough for drivers.
‘Can’t race like this’;
https://www.foxsports.com.au/motorsp...e63fe0bf991ff5
This is how Oscar Piastri felt after gifting Lando Norris the sprint win
3 Nov 2024
Matt Gretton
GPblog.com
Oscar Piastri has explained he was "fine" with handing over the sprint race victory to Lando Norris in Brazil. McLaren applied team orders to help Norris reduce the gap to Max Verstappen by one extra point in the World Championship. The gap now stands at 44 points with four Grands Prix and one sprint race remaining.
"It's not as fun as winning, but I think I know the position that we're in. We've been talking about this for months now and this is really the first time that we've had to enforce it. So, yes, I would have preferred to have won. But, again, it's a sprint. It's the same points for the team. And, being realistic, I don't have much to fight for in the driver's standings. So, we knew this is something that could and probably would happen at some point. But, I was fine with it," Piastri said.
‘How Oscar Piastri felt’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31091...do-norris.html
'I can hear': What David Croft noticed in Oscar Piastri radio after Lando Norris team orders at Sao Paulo Grand Prix
2 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
David Croft senses Oscar Piatri’s ‘disappointment’ after Brazilian Grand Prix team orders. After the chequered flag, Piastri’s engineer Tom Stallard applauded him for his ‘massive support’ and urged him to be ‘proud’ despite missing out on the victory. He accepted it was a ‘good day for the team’.
But speaking on Sky Sports F1, commentator David Croft could sense the ‘disappointment’. Before Saturday, Piastri was the last driver not named Verstappen to win a Sprint, having done so in Qatar last year. However, Croft fully understands the decision. McLaren maintained their 15-point haul amid their constructors’ battle with Ferrari, and also benefitted Norris in his pursuit of Verstappen.
‘Disappointment’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wha...lo-grand-prix/
Mark Webber could now ask McLaren for one thing in contract talks after Oscar Piastri team orders
2 Nov 2024
Luke-John Buckle
F1 Oversteer
A bonus for Piastri may be an extra incentive for the Australian to aid Norris’ championship challenge in the closing stages of the year. Chandhok explained that Webber may want to negotiate a deal for his driver after Piastri’s selfless act in Brazil.
He said: “Yeah, absolutely. He’s pulled another two on Verstappen, hasn’t he? That’s the important equation for him. I wonder if Mark Webber will still negotiate the bonus for Oscar Piastri for from that. He should.”
Sky Sports F1’s lead commentator David Croft then responded saying Webber may want to talk directly to Norris. He added: “I’m sure he’ll go and see Lando Norris and have a little chat going, ‘my man deserved that one’.”
“Bonus for Oscar Piastri for from that.”;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/mar...i-team-orders/
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Liam Lawson ninth in chaotic F1 Brazilian Grand Prix.
New Zealander Liam Lawson has equalled his best Formula One result after finishing ninth in wet conditions at the Brazilian Grand Prix, which saw Red Bull's Max Verstappen drive to victory from 17th place.
4 Nov 2024
Radio New Zealand
Lawson was largely pleased with his performance. "Two cars in the points is good, it's great for the team. I think obviously from where we started it's a bit of a shame. I think our race really got unwound a little bit when we got turned around at the start but I think obviously then we boxed for extremes. It was tough but honestly the survive was hard enough, it was a very brutal race," Lawson said.
‘Ninth’;
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/532...ian-grand-prix
Lawson left with mixed feelings after ‘brutal race’ in Brazil
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Liam Lawson finished P9 for RB at Interlagos but felt he could have done better had he not been tagged into a spin at the start.
‘Mixed feelings’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/la...27587092319859
Liam Lawson relieved to not crash ’10 times’ in F1 Brazil GP
8 Nov 2024
Harry Whitfield
Motorsport Week
RB driver Liam Lawson felt fortunate to only have spun off the track once and not crash out on 10 occasions throughout the Formula 1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. “We obviously lost a lot of time in the red flag, that was just really unlucky timing, Alpine made the right call there by staying out.”
“Honestly, I didn’t think we would have made another lap on the inters, it was so wet, so fair play to the guys who did stay out but, obviously, something I’ll learn from. I think, initially, I probably jumped the gun a little bit and thought it was too wet but, I’ll learn from that going forward.”
He added: “I nearly crashed the car probably 10 times, It was very sketchy but the most important thing was staying on the track and, fortunately, we were able to do that.”
‘Relieved to not crash’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...-f1-brazil-gp/
Lawson “almost crashed the car 10 times” in treacherous Sao Paulo GP
Liam Lawson has admitted he came close to crashing out of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix on multiple occasions.
4 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Lawson crossed the line ninth in Sunday’s race in Interlagos to score two valuable points for RB. He spent the latter laps battling with Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez, seeing both off to retain his equal best result of the season. That followed a career-best qualifying position after he started fifth.
It was a result achieved despite treacherous conditions in both qualifying and the race – the former interrupted by five red flags, and the latter halted once. That came for Franco Colapinto, who crashed under the Safety Car after it had been deployed for worsening conditions.
‘Treacherous Sao Paulo’;
https://speedcafe.com/lawson-almost-...-sao-paulo-gp/
Lawson in 'survival mode' during brutal' Brazilian GP
Liam Lawson banked another points haul for RB in a wet and wild Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
6 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
Liam Lawson has described how survival was "hard enough" in the rain-hit Sao Paulo Grand Prix, in which he finished ninth. "Our race really got unwound a little bit when we got turned around [by Piastri], and then we boxed for extreme [wet] tyres, but it was tough and honestly, to survive was hard enough.”
"It was a very brutal race, we struggled a little bit at the end for pace, but the start was strong, so maybe we used a bit too much of the tyre. We will have a look." Lawson also touched on the battle for sixth in the constructors', which RB was in a fight with Haas over, but Alpine 33 point haul for a double podium result with Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly lifted the team up to sixth, who are now three points ahead of Haas and five of RB.
"It is a shame, but obviously Alpine made the most of a race like this, and it is great for them so congratulations," said Lawson.
'Survival mode';
https://racingnews365.com/lawson-in-...l-brazilian-gp
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Hamilton's final Mercedes season can't end soon enough.
Hamilton's 10th place, after a shock Q1 exit and a frustrating race that ended with a long final stint stuck between RB driver Liam Lawson and Red Bull's Sergio Perez, is a far cry from the mid-season peak of two wins in three grands prix.
Nov 4, 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm, Edd Straw
The Race
When it was put to him by The Race that, with Mercedes still struggling with an inconsistent car and not being as fast as the top three teams, he may be keen to get to the end of a season that is clearly not ending well, Hamilton replied: "No, it can't come soon enough."
"It's devastating to have these bad races in the second half of the season," said Hamilton. "But all I can say is we're trying. It's definitely not acceptable, it's definitely not good enough. And we have to take accountability, I have to take accountability.”
"But I am doing the best with what I've got. The car has been the worst this weekend. I don't know what it is, we're going to have to find out what it is." Not for the first time, Hamilton alluded to a difference in the quality of the equipment at Mercedes.
“It can't come soon enough";
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/l...ating-f1-form/
Unheard Lewis Hamilton radio message reveals tough opinion on Mercedes W15
4 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Lewis Hamilton wasn’t holding back as he told Mercedes that his W15 was the “worst” it had ever been as he completed the Brazilian Grand Prix in 10th place. Hamilton had a difficult start to the weekend, complaining of pain during Friday’s FP1 as he struggled with bouncing.
Speaking to the media as his team-mate George Russell contested Q3 and qualified up on the front row of the grid, Hamilton said: “The car I have right now, it’s the worst I’ve ever driven.” It was a complaint he reiterated to Mercedes at the end of the 71-lap Grand Prix.
“That was a disaster weekend, guys,” he radioed to Mercedes after taking the chequered flag in 10th place. “That’s the worst the car’s ever been. But thank you for continuing to try, great job. To all the guys that are p*ssed off, if this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful to you.”
‘The “worst” it had ever been’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/unhear...n-mercedes-w15
Mercedes baffled by Lewis Hamilton’s cryptic radio message – but have Ferrari signed a busted flush?
Seven-time champion hinted ’disaster of a weekend’ in Brazil would be his last race of the season but he has three left before jumping ship
4 Nov 2024
Tom Cary
The Telegraph
A cryptic radio message from Lewis Hamilton to his team, which was not broadcast until after Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix, has prompted speculation that the 39-year-old may have driven for Mercedes for the final time.
In the message, which took place on Hamilton’s warm-down lap after he finished 10th at Interlagos, the seven-time world champion, who is joining Ferrari next season, concedes he has had a “disaster of a weekend” and describes his car as “the worst it has ever been”.
Hamilton then adds: “But thank you for continuing to try. Great job from the guys at the pitstop. If this is the last time that I get to perform, it’s a shame it wasn’t great, but grateful for you.” Mercedes were said to be surprised by the enigmatic message, with the team insisting there were no plans for Hamilton to step down for the final triple-header.
‘The enigmatic message’;
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/formula-...yptic-ferrari/
Lewis Hamilton lambasts Mercedes F1 car as ‘worst ever’ after Brazil GP ‘disaster’
Hamilton finished 10th after a chaotic Brazilian Grand Prix as his time at Mercedes nears an end
3 Nov 2024
Kieran Jackson
Independent
Lewis Hamilton insists his Mercedes car during the Brazilian Grand Prix was his “worst ride ever” as the seven-time F1 world champion finished 10th in Sao Paulo.
Starting 14th on the grid, the seven-time F1 world champion struggled for grip on the wet Interlagos track and dropped back early on.
After the mid-race red flag, Hamilton progressed to occupy 10th – the final points position – and kept off the challenge of Red Bull’s Sergio Perez behind him.
‘Worst ever’;
https://www.independent.co.uk/f1/lew...-b2640667.html
Lewis Hamilton congratulates Max Verstappen on “amazing” F1 Sao Paulo GP win
Lewis Hamilton and Fernando Alonso have congratulated Max Verstappen on his impressive F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory.
4 Nov 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net
Lewis Hamilton has congratulated Max Verstappen on winning the F1 Sao Paulo Grand Prix from 17th on the grid. The seven-time world champion responded to Verstappen’s celebratory Instagram post, commenting: “Amazing drive, congrats” which was accompanied by a fist bump emoji.
Verstappen and Hamilton were seen having a brief chat ahead of the national anthem on the grid. While their on-track rivalry in 2021 was intense as they battled for the drivers’ championship, the pair’s respect for each other seems to be at its highest.
Hamilton endured a difficult race at Interlagos as he finished a disappointing 10th. The 39-year-old beamoned the handling of his W15 in Brazil, likening it to a “plank of wood”. Hamilton will have three more races with Mercedes before he switches to Ferrari for the 2025 F1 season alongside Charles Leclerc.
‘W15 in Brazil, likening it to a “plank of wood”.’;
https://www.crash.net/f1/news/105983...o-paulo-gp-win
In photos: Driving Senna's McLaren is an 'honour' - Lewis Hamilton
Nov 3, 2024
ESPN
ESPN.com
Lewis Hamilton said driving Ayrton Senna's McLaren MP4/5B at Interlagos was "very emotional" and "the greatest honour of my career." Hamilton said afterwards: "It's very emotional. I was just revisiting my childhood as I was watching Ayrton race here as a kid, hearing that sound and watching him drive here and winning in that race.
"I just couldn't believe that I just had that chance to do that. And it was really the greatest honour of my career to do it in front of this beautiful crowd here in Brazil who stood out in the rain all day yesterday, and have been here since 4:00 a.m. or 3:00 a.m. this morning."
Hamilton, who had a special white race suit and helmet made for the occasion, said it was an honour to get the opportunity: "I really love Brazil and I really love the people and I'm so grateful. To even have my citizenship here is such a huge honour. So I hope Senna can be proud. That was the best drive of the whole weekend.”
"Very emotional";
https://www.espn.com/f1/story/_/id/4...mclaren-honour
Hamilton on driving Senna's car: 'Greatest honour of my career'
Nov 03, 2024
TSN
“It is very emotional, naturally,” said Hamilton as he held the Brazilian flag on his back. “I was revisiting my childhood as I watched Ayrton racing here. I can't believe I am having this opportunity. “It is the greatest honor of my career to do it in front of this amazing crowd in Brazil,” said Hamilton, who in 2022 became an honorary Brazilian citizen by a motion of the country's congress.
“I won my first championship here, had my best ever drive here, and now to be in this country as an honorary citizen driving my hero’s car is almost too much to comprehend. It doesn’t feel real,” he said. “It’s a massive honour and one that I’ll look back on as one of the highlights of my life.”
Luciane D'Angelo, 45, was one of the tearful fans watching Hamilton drive at Interlagos. As a child, she used to watch F1 races with her father, who currently suffers from a serious disease she did not disclose. “I cry because Ayrton's tragic death still leaves us with this massive void. He made children of that time enjoy their Sundays with their families even more. He wasn't only one of the greatest F1 drivers in history, but also a person that every Brazilian learned to admire,” she said.
“Ayrton's tragic death still leaves us with this massive void”;
https://www.tsn.ca/auto-racing/lewis...reer-1.2199626
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'Absolutely': Karun Chandhok agrees ‘100%’ with angry Sergio Perez message in Sao Paulo GP qualifying.
Chandhok felt Perez was right and also questioned Red Bull’s tactics considering the improvements made by other drivers in the session.
3 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer
Sergio Perez was not happy with his Red Bull team after being eliminated during qualifying for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Both Perez and Max Verstappen will start outside of the top ten with the Mexican down in P12, while the latter will take a five-place grid penalty which puts him P17 on the grid.
Sergio Perez criticises team for Sao Paulo Grand Prix qualifying error. Q2 had already been stopped due to a crash from Carlos Sainz at the Senna ‘S’ which is why Red Bull was faced with the decision of when to send their cars back out. Most teams were already queuing at the end of the pit lane and Red Bull decided to send them out at the back of the queue, however that meant the tyre temperatures dropped as they built up a gap in the pit lane.
Perez felt they should have kept him and Verstappen in the garage where they could have put the tyres under the blankets, and was livid over team radio when speaking to engineer Hugh Bird.
Driver Engineer
Perez: “What’s the time left in the session?”
Bird: “45 seconds.”
Perez: “Come on guys, we need to do a better programme!”
Bird: “Unfortunately, with where we are in the pit lane…”
Perez: “That’s not an excuse mate! We should’ve waited. If everyone is waiting at the end of the pit lane, why would we go?”
“I agree with Checo, he’s absolutely right because we saw Ferrari wait a minute with Charles Leclerc. He went out and did a 1:26.097s and got himself into P6 and into Q3. So I 100% agree with Perez,” said Chandhok.
‘Chandhok felt Perez was right’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/kar...gp-qualifying/
Perez hints at Red Bull error in 'total disaster' of Brazilian GP
Sergio Perez finished 11th in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix after a difficult afternoon.
4 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365
Perez, who started from 12th, explained how a rare Red Bull trackside error meant he started the race on cold tyres, which helped induce a first-lap spin before finishing in 11th. "It was a disaster because we didn't know at the time that we could change tyres until the very last minute - and there was no time to change them," Perez told media including RacingNews365.
"We started the race with very cold tyres and then, as there was no one ahead of me, I went into a wall of water, so the start was a total disaster. We were making progress, but unfortunately, we pitted at the red flag, and then at the restart, the visibility was zero, but we were making some progress.”
“We came all the way up to Liam [Lawson], and we touched a bit in Turn 1, and then I went straight at Turn 4 and lost the position to Lewis [Hamilton]. It was a total disaster and nothing really worked."
‘Red Bull error in 'total disaster' of Brazilian GP’;
https://racingnews365.com/perez-hint...f-brazilian-gp
Perez admits ‘nothing really worked’ in Sao Paulo GP as Horner brands Mexican’s first-lap spin ‘annoying’
05 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Sergio Perez was left to rue that “nothing really worked” during his eventful afternoon at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, with the Mexican having to fight his way back to P11 following a first-lap spin branded “annoying” by Red Bull team boss Christian Horner.
Giving his assessment on the Grand Prix afterwards, Perez reflected: “It was just… nothing really worked today. We started the race with very cold tyres, because we didn’t know at the time we could change them like everyone else did.”
“And then not having a car in front [on the grid], I [lost] the clutch and went into a massive amount of wheelspin, and then I ended up spinning into Turn 10 – it was a disaster. Then we pitted before the red flag, so nothing really worked!”
‘Nothing really worked’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...s2X5lcKtEfFKwS
Sergio Perez calls out Red Bull in furious team radio after Brazil GP qualifying nightmare with F1 future in serious doubt
Perez was knocked out in second qualifying again.
3 Nov 2024
Ryan Smart
SPORTbible
Sergio Perez was left furious with his Red Bull team after being knocked out of Brazilian Grand Prix qualifying in the second session. During a rain-interrupted qualifying, both Perez and team-mate Max Verstappen went out, in 13th and 12th respectively, after a red flag was brought out following Lance Stroll's crash.
There have been claims that this weekend's Grand Prix in Interlagos could be his last as a Red Bull driver, with team principal Christian Horner refusing to offer reassurances after Perez finished in last at his home race in Mexico. But Perez stated that he was not worried about his future, telling reporters on Thursday: "You will see me in Vegas. You will see me next year. I'm not the one that worries about it."
‘Furious team radio’;
https://www.sportbible.com/f1/sergio...35195-20241103
Horner puts his arm around Perez with chassis change explanation
1 Nov 2024
Cas van de Kleut
GPblog.com
Sergio Perez had a disastrous weekend in Mexico. This weekend he is driving a different chassis in a bid to improve his performance. Christian Horner elaborated on Perez's situation in a conversation with Sky Sports.
After free practice in Brazil, Horner said, "We're doing our best to try and help rebuild his confidence. He had a horrible weekend in Mexico. We've changed his chassis this weekend. It's an older chassis that we've put him into just to give him that, hopefully, extra boost of confidence."
The Red Bull Racing team boss continued, "Sergio is a seasoned campaigner. He's been around long enough that he knows that this is a results-based business. He knows that this season has been under par for him. Nobody's more acutely aware of that than Sergio but we're doing our best that we can to support him."
‘Chassis change explanation’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31044...gio-perez.html
Sergio Perez given final three-race target before big Red Bull decision
8 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Christian Horner says Sergio Perez is “wise” enough to know F1 is a “results-based business”, and the one big result he can contribute towards is the Constructors’ Championship. Formula 1, as we know, is a results-based business,” Horner told TalkSPORT, “and Sergio is very, very aware of that. And you know, he’s not happy with how the season has gone for him, as you would expect. So, he’s big enough and old enough and wise enough to recognise that.”
Scoring a solitary point in Brazil where he was P8 in the Sprint race while Max Verstappen brought in 31 including the Grand Prix win, Perez has scored just eight points in the last five races. In that time Red Bull have not only lost the lead in the Constructors’ Championship to McLaren in Baku, but they also dropped behind Ferrari in Mexico.
With 544 points on the board, the reigning World Champions trail McLaren by 49 points and Ferrari by 13. Perez’s future could be determined by whether or not he’s able to help Red Bull wrestle back control in the teams’ standings as that’s still very much one of Red Bull’s big goals in the final three races of the season – and perhaps the final three in Perez’s Red Bull career too.
“Results-based business”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/sergio...-bull-decision
Report: What Christian Horner said about Sergio Perez’s future when addressing Red Bull factory this week
7 Nov 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer
Christian Horner told Red Bull staff Sergio Perez had to ‘up his game’. According to Formula Passion, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner addressed the Red Bull factory earlier this week. This was likely a routine event on the back of the USA-Mexico-Brazil triple-header. For the most part, Horner was focused on celebrating Verstappen’s unbelievable victory at Interlagos. His charge from 17th ranks as one of the best wins in Red Bull history.
However, Horner also dropped a ‘hint’ about the future of Perez. He’s made it clear that driver number 11 is ‘safe’ for now, with no ‘lightning replacement’ planned for the last three races. But echoing the message he’s delivered in public, he acknowledged that ‘Perez must step up his game and improve his performances’. Fail to do so by the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi, and a promotion for Lawson ‘could quickly gain traction’.
‘Addressing Red Bull factory this week’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wha...ory-this-week/
-
‘Trying not to die’… Unheard Oliver Bearman radio messages highlight Sao Paulo Grand Prix difficulties.
Unheard team radio transcripts posted to social media website X show Bearman could be heard over team radio frantically telling race control to suspend the race as the rain increased before the red flag.
5 Nov 2024
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer
Oliver Bearman’s frantic radio messages as rain hit Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Bearman was speaking to his engineer Mark Slade throughout the race about the conditions, updating him on whether it was enough to switch to the full wet tyre. The Briton went into the race having studied the onboard of Verstappen from his race in 2016, which was also affected by rain.
He could be heard frantically trying to get the FIA to stop the race due to visibility concerns, with him nearly running off track exiting the Senna ‘S’ without knowing where he was going.
Driver Engineer
Bearman: “How are we allowed to race like this? Someone is going to crash big time.”
Slade: “Perez coming up behind you on his full wets.”
Bearman: “Guys I can’t even see in front.”
Slade: “You’re doing a great job Ollie.”
Bearman: “Yeah but, come on. Talk to the FIA. I’m just trying not to die.”
“I’m just trying not to die”;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/try...-difficulties/
‘Too many mistakes, too many time losses’ – Bearman gives brutal verdict on his Sao Paulo super-sub performance for Haas
05 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Haas super-sub Ollie Bearman didn’t know he would be partaking in the Sao Paulo race weekend until Friday morning, but went on to tackle his most challenging Formula 1 outing yet – and revealing that he learned plenty of valuable lessons in the process.
Bearman had never raced at Interlagos before or in such adverse weather conditions at this level, so faced a number of difficulties during the Grand Prix. Despite Haas’s strong pace over recent races, he was knocked out in the first stage of a rain-affected qualifying, going on to start the race from P15 after Max Verstappen’s grid penalty was applied.
“It was a tough race,” he summarised. “Too many mistakes from my side and that really compromised our race. I think on one side, we finished P12 quite close to the points, despite the amount of mistakes I made. On the other side, too many mistakes, too many time losses and stuff like that. It was a really tough day. I learnt a lot, that’s for sure, for the next time.”
‘Brutal verdict’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...aQI1VJcsBxMv86
F1 driver feared dying during Brazilian GP and warned 'this is really dangerous'
F1 stars had to navigate torrential rain during the Brazilian Grand Prix, with one driver fearing for his life.
Nov 6, 2024
Tom Parsons
Daily and Sunday Express
F1 star Ollie Bearman feared for his life during the Brazilian Grand Prix as the torrential rain made for a perilous driving environment. The 19-year-old faced the worst conditions of his fledgling F1 career after standing in for Haas ace Kevin Magnussen in Sao Paulo.
Bearman found himself just outside the points at the Brazilian Grand Prix as he finished in P12, one position lower than he lined up on the starting grid following the qualifying session. He was one of only 15 drivers to finish the race, with five others failing to make it to the end.
There were five red flags throughout the chaotic race after the rain had postponed the qualifying session until Sunday morning. And the teenager was forced to navigate horrendous conditions as the heavens opened part-way through the race.
‘Worst conditions of his fledgling F1 career’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...1-Brazilian-GP
Bearman admits he made ‘too many mistakes’ in Sao Paulo GP
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Oliver Bearman had several tussles with other drivers and a late spin off the track in Brazil as he finished 12th on his latest sub appearance for Haas.
‘Too many mistakes’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/be...26085282097980
What Bearman's first real F1 stumble means for him and Haas
Nov 8, 2024
Scott Mitchell-Malm
The Race
Ollie Bearman having one of Formula 1’s only 100% point-scoring records in 2024 inevitably had an asterisk attached given it related to just two race appearances. It stood as a marker of the quality of his super-sub appearances for Ferrari in Saudi Arabia and Haas in Azerbaijan but is no longer valid even though it was only being used ironically.
Ferrari’s Fred Vasseur described it as a “more than difficult” weekend to step into but was “a good lesson, a good experience”, and Bearman’s Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu went even further. “This is a priceless experience for him, and for us,” said Komatsu. “Yes, the pain is that we should have, still with this car, scored points, but we didn't. But that's the price we paid, right?”
“Ollie’s incredibly talented. He's an incredibly fast learner. But you cannot expect to throw him in last minute – I mean, what he did on Friday was remarkable. Remarkable. I don't think I can expect him to deal with these conditions and score points. Still the potential he showed was great.”
“Friday was remarkable. Remarkable”;
https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/o...irst-struggle/
Bearman questions F1 penalty after unusual circumstances
Ollie Bearman had a scrappy day in Brazil, and picked up a "harsh" time penalty.
7 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365
On lap four in the tough conditions at Interlagos, Bearman, deputising for the unwell Kevin Magnussen, tapped the back of Colapinto's Williams at Turn 9 in the infield, spinning himself as the Argentine continued unimpeded. For the incident, Bearman was handed a 10-second time penalty for causing a collision and received two penalty points on his superlicence.
The stewards felt he was "wholly" to blame, but Bearman has questioned the decision. "I hit him, but hardly touched him and nothing happened to him," Bearman told media including RacingNews365. "I lost 10 seconds [with the spin], and then I got a 10-second penalty for losing 10 seconds, so it was really harsh.”
"But racing with other cars was much more useful than a test, and I got to learn a track which I wasn't going to be able to do without this race. The conditions were tough, but I definitely learned a lot."
“It was really harsh”;
https://racingnews365.com/bearman-qu...-circumstances
-
Bottas brands Sao Paulo GP ‘one of the most difficult races in my career’.
With the tricky wet track and changeable weather, Valtteri Bottas reckons Sunday’s race in Brazil was one of the toughest he’s had in F1. He finished 13 as Sauber’s season-long points drought continued.
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘One of the toughest’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/bo...27904202713503
Bottas highlights tyre degradation as ‘big issue for us’ after the Sprint
2 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
Valtteri Bottas started the Sprint in 15th but slipped back a place at the flag on another difficult day for Sauber.
‘Tyre degradation’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/bo...24410522207623
Bottas on Sauber's F1 downfall: 'When Vasseur left, it all fell to pieces'
1 Nov 2024
Motor Sport
Motor Sport Magazine
Since the departure of team principal Fred Vasseur, Sauber's Formula 1 team has crumbled — leaving Valtteri Bottas to struggle for a return to the front of the grid. In an exclusive interview with Motor Sport, published in our latest December 2024 issue, Bottas identified one key moment when his and Sauber’s fortunes changed: the departure of Fred Vasseur to Ferrari.
“Things changed a lot because when I joined it was a three-year project,” says Bottas. “As we spoke with Fred [Vasseur, Sauber team principal until the end of 2022], we agreed on certain targets. Year one was good, especially the first part of the year, but Fred left and the whole idea of the project changed.”
“Obviously, I don’t blame Fred because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to go to Ferrari and he is doing a great job. That changed my situation quite a bit.” Vasseur’s reputation has soared since joining Ferrari at the end of 2022. The Frenchman has transformed the Scuderia back into a winning machine, in contention for the constructors’ championship in 2024.
‘Sauber's F1 downfall’;
https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/a...?nowprocket=1#
Sauber announces Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou exit
Sauber has announced neither Valtteri Bottas nor Zhou Guanyu will be part of its driver line-up for 2025.
6 Nov 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe
Bottas had hoped to remain with the organisation for a fourth campaign, having joined from Mercedes at the end of the 2021 season. Zhou will also not continue with the team, leaving Sauber with an all-new pairing for 2025. “A situation like this is never easy for anyone,” admitted Bottas.
“But after all the good and in-depth discussions we had in the past weeks, we realised that the conditions to grow this project together were not met. These past years with the team have been an incredible journey, full of growth, challenges, and unforgettable moments.”
“I’m grateful for the joint experiences as well as the trust and support I’ve felt every step of the way. Though it’s time to move on, I’ll always carry a piece of this team with me, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for us both.” Sauber boss Mattia Binotto added: “We extend our deepest gratitude to Valtteri for the past three years together.”
‘Exit’;
https://speedcafe.com/sauber-announc...nyu-zhou-exit/
Bottas to leave Sauber after F1 2024; Mercedes reunion expected
Finnish driver will drop off the F1 grid but is set to accept a new role with his former team, Mercedes
Nov 6, 2024
Alex Kalinauckas
Motorsport.com
Sauber's decision means Bottas's current F1 racing career will likely be capped at 10 wins from 246 races, come the end of the current campaign in Abu Dhabi next month. But he could yet see more action with his former team, after saying returning to what he called the "Mercedes family" at Interlagos was "for sure one option and I would consider it".
Motorsport.com understands that discussions between Mercedes and Bottas have been going on for several weeks, with the squad set to field a team made up of drivers it has supported all the way to F1 – George Russell and Andrea Kimi Antonelli – in 2025. Although the path back to the full-time racing driver from a reserve role is difficult, F1 has had a surge in super-sub appearances in recent years.
‘Mercedes reunion expected’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/b...nion/10670847/
Valtteri Bottas reveals reason behind impending Sauber F1 exit
6 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Valtteri Bottas has explained that talks regarding him remaining in Formula 1 with Sauber beyond 2024 broke down as the “conditions to grow together were not met”. Bottas had been in discussions with the team about an extension to his expiring deal amid his hope to be present once it morphs into a works Audi operation in 2026.
However, Sauber has chosen to head in an alternative direction as current Formula 2 points leader Bortoleto has been signed to complement Hulkenberg’s experience. Mattia Binotto, who was appointed over the summer to lead the Sauber/Audi venture, has insisted that the choice not to continue with Bottas was a “mutual” decision.
“After open and constructive discussions, we mutually concluded that final conditions could not be met so we agreed that it is time to part ways. Valtteri will always have an open door here in Hinwil,” Mattia Binotto concluded.
‘Alternative direction’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...auber-f1-exit/
Valtteri Bottas tipped to rejoin Mercedes as reserve driver for F1 2025 season
6 Nov 2024
Michelle Foster
PlanetF1.com
Speaking to the media including PlanetF1.com last month, the 10-time Grand Prix winner said he could return to his former team Mercedes. “I’ve got to look at all the alternatives including going back to the Mercedes family,” he revealed.
Should he return to the Brackley squad it would be as a reserve driver as Mercedes have already confirmed George Russell and Kimi Antonelli for next season. Bottas has reportedly been in talks with Mercedes for several weeks as he looked at his B-plan options should Sauber opt for an all-new line-up for F1 2025.
“Got to look at all the alternatives”;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/valtte...f1-2025-season
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Fernando Alonso demanded medical attention after brutal back pain at Brazilian GP.
“I’m going to finish the race for the mechanics; they did a great job today, but my back is really hurting. This bouncing is not normal,” Alonso said over the radio, expressing both gratitude and frustration.
Nov 3, 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport
Speaking with DAZN after the race, Alonso explained further, saying, “In normal conditions, I wouldn’t have finished, but I did it for the mechanics, for the people from Valencia, and for everyone facing tougher situations than mine with this bouncing.” For Alonso, the decision to keep going reflected his commitment to the team that had made every effort to keep him on the track.
A Physically Taxing Race for Alonso. The instability of Alonso’s car wreaked havoc on his body throughout the race, with constant impacts exacerbating his back pain. At one point, Alonso even asked for medical attention: “Call a medical car. I’ll follow you. I’ll come with you when I finish.” Fighting off the pain as he battled with Saubers during the closing laps, Alonso’s discomfort grew, turning every turn into a gruelling ordeal.
Reflecting on the day, he shared that “We had a better car this morning, but we had to change parts, and it got worse during the race. We had brake issues—Lance [Stroll] at the beginning, and I during the restarts.” Alonso’s finish, though out of the points, highlighted the relentless physical strain he endured for his team.
“I’m going to finish the race for the mechanics”;
https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...ilian-gp-2024/
Fernando Alonso left in 'agony' and needs medical treatment after Brazilian Grand Prix
Fernando Alonso was left feeling the effects of the bouncing of his Aston Martin car in the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Nov 3, 2024
Charlie Malam
Daily and Sunday Express
Kravitz said: "Fernando Alonso, car number 14, 14th today and I believe he had to go to the medical centre or seek some sort of physio after the race ended because he was in absolute agony with his back. He said so on the radio. He said he was going to finish the race for the mechanics." Alonso had said over his team radio: "I'm going to finish the race for the mechanics, who did an incredible job today, but my back really hurts, guys. This bouncing is not normal."
"It was like pulling the handbrake in the corners. So you could say it wasn't an ideal race in that sense. We have to improve for the next race." Alonso's team-mate Lance Stroll meanwhile crashed out on the formation lap in an unusual incident. Aston Martin team principal Mike Krack said: "A trip to a special motorsport venue but a weekend to forget for our team. A point-less and brutal triple-header which takes its toll on the team working trackside and back at the AMRTC.
"Looking for the positives it was a Herculean effort by both car crews, with a reduced schedule, to get both cars onto the grid just in time today. Also a special mention for the FIA and F1 for being pragmatic and flexible with the schedule to allow the drivers and teams to put on a show for the passionate South American fans.”
'Agony';
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...d-Prix-F1-news
How Alonso fought “painful” back to reward Aston mechanics
5 Nov2024
Adam Cooper's F1 Blog
Fernando Alonso had to overcome a painful back and brake issues to bring his Aston Martin AMR24 home in 14th place after a difficult Sao Paulo GP. “It was a lot of bounce and a lot of porpoising in the second half of the race,” he said when asked by this writer about the back problem.
“I don’t know why. So yeah, it was a tough race. We were out of the points. I think in any other circumstances, probably I will stop. But the mechanics did an incredible job before the race to put the car ready on the grid, so I had to finish for them. It was a difficult race. After this morning, we had to go back to a less performing package on the car. So the race was a little bit slower pace from our side. And then we had the brake issue.”
“I think Lance had the brake problem in the formation lap, and I had the brake issue after all the restarts, where all the brake balance goes completely rearwards. It’s like a braking with a hand brake. So it was all-in-all a nightmare out there. We need to get better for the next three.”
“Like a braking with a hand brake”;
https://adamcooperf1.com/2024/11/05/...ton-mechanics/
Fernando Alonso close to tears in heart-wrenching interview after Brazilian GP
Fernando Alonso was second-last of the finishers at the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Nov 5, 2024
Charlie Gordon
Daily and Sunday Express
Fernando Alonso had tears in his eyes while discussing the back pain which blighted his Brazilian Grand Prix. The 43-year-old nursed a bouncing Aston Martin home in 14th place and out of the points, rounding off a nightmare weekend for the team in fitting fashion.
The two-time world champion required a trip to the medical centre after the race. And a bleary-eyed interview told the whole story about his uncomfortable afternoon. "Some back pain and a lot of bouncing today in the second half of the race," he told Sky Sports. "I think Lance had a brake problem on the formation lap, I had the same problem in some of the restarts as well.”
‘Close to tears’;
https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...x-aston-martin
Stroll explains ‘really strange’ formation lap crash as Alonso says Aston Martin ‘need to regroup’ after tough Sao Paulo GP
5 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Lance Stroll, admitted that his spin during the formation lap had been “really strange” as he pointed to a potential brake issue as the cause.
“As soon as I touched the brake I just had a huge rear lock and then I was a passenger from there,” the Canadian explained. “I’ve never felt that in the car, so maybe there was a brake failure problem and we have to look into it.”
Reflecting on what could have been – with Stroll known to have performed well in wet conditions previously – he continued: “For sure in a race like this anything’s possible, so to be out on Lap 1 really sucks – but we have to look into what happened.”
‘Potential brake issue’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...UGbzjFCPxM8WU2
Aston Martin uncovers trigger for Alonso and Stroll’s Brazilian GP struggles
A post-race review has revealed what caused problems for Alonso and Stroll in the Brazilian GP
Nov 7, 2024
Jonathan Noble
Motorsport.com
Speaking about what Aston Martin has found out since Brazil, team principal Mike Krack thinks a combination of elements came together to leave both its drivers with a car that was ultra nervous. “It was clear that both drivers were battling a car that was incredibly difficult to drive during Sunday's race," he said. "Our post-weekend analysis has highlighted several factors that explain this.”
“Following both car’s accidents in qualifying, we had to replace a lot of components with a different specification due to availabilities at the end of a triple-header. This is allowed by the Sprint Event regulations, and you declare your shortages and replacement options to the FIA before the event. [But] you aren’t allowed to change the mechanical set-up of the cars. This meant we could neither check nor adjust the set-up of the cars, which negatively affected aerodynamic behaviour and performance.
“Add in treacherous wet conditions, along with an incredibly bumpy track, and you begin to understand that both drivers had the odds stacked against them. Both cars were highly susceptible to wheel-locking, and we can see in the data that this is what caused the issues for both Lance and Fernando."
‘What caused problems for Alonso and Stroll’;
https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/a...gles/10671386/
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Sauber apologise to Zhou for “not acceptable” qualifying blunder.
Sauber apologised to Zhou Guanyu after sending him out at the end of qualifying too late to complete his final run.
2nd Nov 2024
RaceFans
Zhou repeatedly asked his team whether they had enough time left, and was told each time they did. But as he reached the timing line to begin his final run the lights had already turned red.
“To be honest, it was quite a disaster session because to be the only driver not doing the last lap, crossing the line with fully red [lights] was just not so acceptable,” he told the official F1 channel. “But that’s how it is at the moment.
“We completely messed up the timing for the final run. We’re sat in the garage too long and we go out last, couldn’t do the lap so, game over.”
“Not acceptable”;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/11/02/...fying-blunder/
How the dramatic Sauber killed Bottas' and Zhou's F1 careers
10 Nov 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com
For Guanyu Zhou, his Formula 1 adventure will come to an end after the current season. Sauber, who will be Audi in the future, have chosen Gabriel Bortoleto as Nico Hulkenberg's teammate, leaving the Chinese driver and his teammate Valtteri Bottas without a seat for 2025. What Zhou will do next? The Chinese driver acknowledges how competitive the current market is and that finding a place in an appealing series will be extremely difficult.
"Another category probably will be quite difficult because a lot of categories when they contacted me before, it was that I have to make some decisions very soon," Zhou reflects, knowing that those teams have also made other choices. "But I'm definitely looking for quite a bit of alternative options. Either being a reserve role or doing something else there’s still some good options available. So we need to look more into that."
‘What Zhou will do next?’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31223...g-f1-seat.html
Uncompetitive car making it hard to show the gains I’ve made, says Zhou
25th Oct 2024
Will Wood
RaceFans
The team started the year with a more competitive car, said Zhou, but missed out on points-scoring opportunities due to a series of slow pit stops. “I still remember – because it felt a lot better – the first few races of the season. Of course, we struggled with other things – in the pits – but the car was actually performing quite competitively together with the people around the midfield battle.”
“You really felt you could show what you have gained or what experience you have learned over the course of two-and-a-half years. You are getting better experience, better knowledge with everything and also get more understanding about what you need to go quicker. But then in that period right now it’s quite difficult, of course, to accept as a driver.”
‘Hard to show the gains made’;
https://www.racefans.net/2024/10/25/...ade-says-zhou/
'So disappointed': What Zhou Guanyu’s camp are privately saying about Sauber after Formula 1 exit
8 Nov 2024
Tyler Rowlinson
F1 Oversteer
While his results have lacked, speaking on The Fast and the Curious Podcast, Jennie Gow revealed that Zhou’s management have been left ‘so disappointed’ that their driver could not show his true potential, as the team have not been able to give him a competitive car over the last three years.
“I feel like he never really got into it. and it was just bad timing this year I think, and last year at Sauber,” she said. “They haven’t had a car which is competitive, and you speak to the guys who represent Zhou, and they’re so disappointed that he never got to shine.”
“I think it’s just one of those things. You get a Colapinto, gets put in the car and shines, and Zhou didn’t ever really get to shine.” Zhou could end up joining Alpine following the news that they will be ditching their engines to become a customer Mercedes team come 2026, and the 25-year-old’s financial backing could help him secure the seat.
'So disappointed';
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/wha...ormula-1-exit/
Zhou chases new F1 challenge
Nov 8, 2024
China Daily
Zhou Guanyu, China's first Formula One driver, released a statement on his personal social media account on Wednesday officially announcing his impending departure from Sauber at the end of the 2024 season.
"This has been a difficult season, but I am still putting all my effort into the remaining races. I care about my future and want to stay here as long as possible, so I am fighting for it. The opportunity is still there," the 25-year-old wrote.
"I am delighted with the achievements I have made amid the fierce competition of F1, including scoring points on my debut, setting the fastest lap in treacherous conditions at the Suzuka Circuit and executing some exciting offensive and defensive maneuvers on the track. I am full of confidence in the future, and focused on truly showcasing my abilities."
‘New F1 challenge’;
http://www.china.org.cn/sports/2024-..._117534191.htm
'Will update': Zhou Guanyu now shares how he plans to stay in F1 after being released by Sauber
Wed 6 November 2024 09:15
Rory Mitchell
F1 Oversteer
Zhou has issued a statement on social media thanking his team and confirming that he is exploring options to stay in the F1 paddock for the future.
“I am happy to have already achieved many things under difficult conditions in F1, including scoring points in my first race, fastest lap, and some memorable battles throughout the grid. Sadly, the last two seasons have been challenging for all, but I want to look forward. I am positive about the future, and I am now totally focused on making sure that I can truly show what I am capable of. I’m now discussing a number of options to stay in the F1 paddock, will update you all soon.”
‘Exploring options’;
https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/zho...sed-by-sauber/
Zhou Guanyu speaks out on Sauber exit after ‘conditions not met’ for renewal
6 Nov 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com
Zhou Guanyu has revealed that he is “discussing a number of options” to remain in the F1 paddock after being dropped by Sauber for the F1 2025 season. Former Ferrari and Alpine junior Zhou, who is known to bring significant sponsorship, has been linked with remaining in F1 in a reserve driver role. And he has confirmed that “a number of options” are on the table to remain in the sport in some capacity in F1 2025.
‘Conditions not met’;
https://www.planetf1.com/news/f1-ret...di-sauber-exit
Zhou Guanyu looking to stay in F1 amid Sauber departure
6 Nov 2024
Dan Lawrence
Motorsport Week
Zhou Guanyu is actively discussing his future within the Formula 1 paddock following the news that he will leave Sauber at the end of 2024. Zhou Guanyu is ‘positive’ about life after Sauber.
‘Positive’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...ber-departure/
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Sainz apologises to Ferrari for ‘two crashes that honestly I cannot explain very well’.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz promised to ‘turn the page and come back stronger’ after he crashed out of the Grand Prix in Brazil.
3 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)
‘Sainz apologises’;
https://www.formula1.com/en/video/sa...27234759306639
Sainz reveals Ferrari weakness after Brazilian GP ‘nightmare’
Carlos Sainz has admitted a new weakness for him and Ferrari this season, after describing his Sao Paulo Grand Prix as a "nightmare" having crashed twice in one day.
4 Nov 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365
"Oh, just two very strange, unfortunate crashes today," he reflected with media including RacingNews365. "A bit of a nightmare day. Honestly, the two of them, no sign of me crashing, so I couldn't do anything to avoid them.”
"But at the same time, it was not easy out there to overtake, so starting from the pit lane, it was always going to be difficult to make it to the points. Apologies to the whole team for the two crashes. I hope we can come back strong."
"Nightmare";
https://racingnews365.com/sainz-reve...n-gp-nightmare
Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo
05/11/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com
Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, where he crashed twice, with no clear explanation for either of his accidents. The unexpected crashes left Sainz searching for answers about his Ferrari's wet-weather handling. Known for his confidence in wet conditions, Sainz was frank about how out of place he's felt with the SF-24 in the rain.
"I've always been a very strong driver in the wet, but for some reason, ever since I tried this car [the Ferrari SF-24] in the wet this year, I've never had a good feeling with it, I have noticed. I don't know if we just don't put energy into the tires, we run it too steep in medium-to-high speed or what it is, but it's clear that it's very unpredictable and very difficult to drive."
‘Puzzled’;
https://f1i.com/news/524063-sainz-le...sao-paulo.html
Sainz ‘cannot explain’ Sao Paulo crashes as Leclerc admits weekend was 'damage limitation' for Ferrari
4 Nov 2024
Formula One - Official Site
Carlos Sainz says he “cannot explain” how he crashed twice on Sunday at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as both he and Charles Leclerc labelled the SF-24 as difficult to drive in wet conditions.
Sainz crashed out of Q2 at Turn 2 at Interlagos on Sunday morning and was forced to start the race from the pit lane after Ferrari had to undertake component changes outside of the parc ferme regulations.
The Spaniard made gradual progress through the course of the race but spun into the wall at Turn 8 on Lap 38, bringing his afternoon to a premature conclusion, one weekend after dominating the Mexico City Grand Prix from pole position.
'Damage limitation';
https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...GLr7lkmstHuSol
Why Sainz created a dangerous situation in Brazilian GP
Carlos Sainz was called to the stewards for alleged dangerous driving in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
4 Nov 2024
Jake Nichol
The full stewards verdict into Sainz is available below. "The driver crashed on his own. The marshals were quickly on the scene to recover the car," read the report. "The driver removed the steering wheel indicating to the marshals that he was abandoning the car. The team then informed the driver that they thought the car was safe to continue. The driver replaced the steering wheel while the marshals had started to feed the recovery loop through the roll hoop of the car.”
The driver admitted that he was not aware that the marshals had commenced the recovery procedure. "The marshals recognizing that the driver was going to attempt to restart aborted the recovery attempt just as the driver drove the car away. The driver admitted that he did not know that the marshals had started the recovery procedure and accepted that removing the steering wheel was a clear indication of his intention to abandon the car.”
‘Called to the stewards’;
https://racingnews365.com/why-sainz-...n-brazilian-gp
Sainz's verdict: Can Ferrari still win the constructors title?
9 Nov 2024
Toby Nixon
GPblog.com
McLaren still leads the Constructors' Championship, but Ferrari and Carlos Sainz are still hopeful that they can snatch the title off of their rivals. Sainz's good run of form was snapped in Brazil. The Spaniard had finished in second in Austin before winning in Mexico. His retirement cost him, but, are Ferrari still in with a shot?
"Yeah, and we will be alive until the very end. Three weekends now coming up that are going to be obviously important for the whole team. And now we need to refocus. We regroup and see how we can approach these last three races in the best possible way." Sainz concluded. Before his exit from the Italian team at the end of the year, a constructors victory will leave a good taste in the mouth before he joins the Williams project in 2025.
‘They can snatch the title’;
https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/31202...ors-title.html
Carlos Sainz Should Bounce Back From Brazil’s Harrowing Result
Nov 6, 2024
Dev Tyagi
F1 Chronicle
Dust has settled over the Brazilian Grand Prix of 2024. It was a race to forget not just from Carlos Sainz’s point of view, but even from Ferrari’s point of view. Not even a podium and then, a top five finish with Charles Leclerc bagging a low-key fifth was perhaps not the best of weekends for the Italian stable.
However, what was most saddening from a Ferrari point of view was their most recent Formula 1 Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz jr. ending his Interlagos weekend with a DNF next to his name. Certainly not the type of race weekend that Carlos Sainz, also race winner at Australia earlier this year (lest it is forgotten) would have expected.
Speaking of the next F1 Grand Prix, that is precisely what Carlos Sainz would expect, especially with the desire to score more since his Mexico win but unfortunately race retiring at the Senna-land. Having said that, where it might get a little tricky for the Madrid-born Spanish driver is that where it comes to the destination that is next on our calendars, Carlos Sainz would do well to remember him at the Las Vegas.
‘Bounce Back’;
https://f1chronicle.com/carlos-sainz.../?nowprocket=1
Carlos Sainz concedes being overlooked for top 2025 F1 seat ‘hurt’ his ego
10 Nov 2024
Taylor Powling
Motorsport Week
Sainz, who has since signed a multi-term contract with Williams, has admitted that it was hard to come to terms with not being considered for those seats at the time. “I’ve definitely come to peace, and I am a true believer that if I’m not going there, it’s because life just doesn’t want me to be there,” Sainz told Sky Sports F1.
“There’s something else coming after that, that will actually turn out to be good. It hurt at the time, we all have egos, and I have a driver ego, and I couldn’t understand it at the time. I still personally cannot understand certain choices that people have done,” he continued. “But at the same time, it creates even more of a challenge in me, and it even makes me more excited for Williams.”
“Williams is the one that has invested in me, that have backed me up from the beginning, the ones that came to me a full year ago, and that actually makes me super excited,” he added. “I said, ‘I want to give to these guys what they’ve given to me. Give back to them this trust and this belief in me’. I cannot wait to go there and, together with them, build something good.”
‘Hurt’;
https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...-hurt-his-ego/
Sao Paulo GP: Carlos Sainz admits 'it would hurt' if Ferrari compete for drivers' championship next year
3 Nov 2024
Sky Sports
With Carlos Sainz set to leave Ferrari at the end of this season, the Spaniard admits it would be painful to see his former team challenging for the drivers' championship next year without him after the 'influence' he has had there.
'It would hurt';
https://www.skysports.com/watch/vide...ship-next-year
