F1 this weekend will complement the famous triptych in the Americas. After passing through the USA and Mexico, we go to Brazil, precisely ad Interlagos. Let's go and discover together the circuit where we often are awarded the World Cup.
50 years since the first Brazilian Grand Prix, with many champions born on this circuit
The José Carlos Pace racetrack is a permanent circuit built in the town of Interlagos. Long 4309 meters, Presents 15 curves e 2 DRS zones, one on the main straight and another after it Sol Curve (between rounds 3 and 4). Opened in 1940, was introduced into the F1dal calendar 1973. That grand prize was won by Emerson Fittipaldi, home idol of the time. The driver with the most victories on Brazilian soil is the legendary Michael Schumacher (4), followed by Lewis Hamilton (3). For the reigning world champion Max Verstappen instead only 1 win in Sao Paulo. However, the circuit is famous for having awarded the World titles, such as that of Hamilton in 2008 at the last corner, or the last of the Ferrari, with Kimi Raikkonen, last year (2007).
The absolute track record belongs to Lewis Hamilton, who in 2018 qualifying set a time of 1'07 "281. While the official one belongs to Valtteri Bottas, which in the same year with the same Mercedes he stopped the clock a 1'10 "540.
Speed and lots of traction: these are the keys to a good Brazilian Grand Prix
The track is made up of a mix of slow curves (third gear) and some where the downforce, such as Yes Senna (curve 1 and 2) and the Sol Curve (curve 3). Furthermore, the main straight is very long and speeds of 335 / 340 km / h. The choice of set-up for this grand prix is therefore fundamental, which should have a configuration from medium-high load.
In addition to a well-built machine, you will need a lot traction. The central sector, for example, is made up of almost all laps where having a well-balanced machine is fundamental. Getting out well will therefore be fundamental, especially in the curve that leads onto the main straight, to be able to lead as fast as possible.
After the Mexican GP raced in 2200 meters high, we move on to 800 of Interlagos. The air will therefore be less rarefied, but as for Mexico City it will be important to be careful thermal degradation. The tires will be there C2 (hard), the C3 (average) and the C4 (soft). This means that we will have a larger compound in general durable compared to those of last weekend, just to go to counteract that kind of wear.
Verstappen the favorite in Brazil, Hamilton to match Schumacher
As at the beginning of the year, despite having put the Drivers' World Championship case in the safe, the favorite remains Max Verstappen. Behind him, acting as a mosquito, the usual: Ferrari, Mercedes e McLaren. All three teams have cars that can do well on this track. The Red will be able to count on the excellent traction of the SF-23, and on one's form on weekends with the Sprint Race. This will be the last of the season, and the Maranello team wants to "end on a high note". The German and English teams will instead be able to rely on tire management, significantly better than that of Italian cars. We therefore expect a quite weekend spettacolare.
