Spr-interlagos - 2023 Sao Paulo GP Preview

3 races to go for the 2023 Formula 1 season to conclude...or make that 4 if you are one of those who counts a Sprint as an extra race! Btw, is it the Brazil Grand Prix or the Sao Paulo Grand Prix - what name did you grow up to?

Interlagos is a very popular racing venue. It stands for 'between the lakes' in Portuguese. If there's one circuit we don't mind the Sprint at, it's this. Lewis Hamilton's charge to the front in the Sprint and Grand Prix in 2021 is still fresh in our memory.

In this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah preview the 2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix. Will we see a different team step up to claim P2 behind Max Verstappen? Will Verstappen's dominant win-all-races continue at Interlagos? Yes, Red Bull Racing messed it up at Interlagos last year. But most Formula 1 teams don't repeat mistakes. 

But what do the stats say? As @f1statsguru points out, the pole sitter of the Hungarian Grand Prix has gone to win the Sao Paulo Grand Prix since many years. If this trend continues, Lewis Hamilton will win top honours this Sunday.

In this episode, the trio talk about the unique characteristics of Interlagos, expectant weather this weekend, Williams' chances and if Aston Martin's decline in form and results will continue.

We've see three different pole sitters in the last three years - remember Kevin Magnussen? And we've had three different race winners in the last three years. Let's see who takes top honours this weekend...two times over!

Tune in!

(Season 2023, Episode 59)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Red Bull Content Pool

**2023 Sao Paulo Grand Prix Preview: Formula 1's Final Sprint Race**

- The 2023 Formula 1 season concludes with three races remaining, including the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil.

- The race takes place at the Interlagos circuit, known as "between the lakes" in Portuguese.

- The sprint format will be utilized for the final time this season, offering unique challenges and excitement.

- Mercedes has been competitive in recent races, raising the possibility of a challenge to Red Bull Racing's dominance.

- McLaren has performed well in sprint events, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri expected to compete for strong positions.

- Track limits and driver etiquette will be key factors to watch, particularly at corners where drivers may be tempted to push opponents off the track.

- Williams driver Alex Albon has scored points in seven races this season, but he needs to improve his performance against Lewis Hamilton.

- Interlagos is known for its fast and flowing sectors, requiring a balance between low drag and aero efficiency.

- Rain is forecast for the only practice session, adding an element of uncertainty and potential chaos to the weekend.

- Nico Hulkenberg holds the unique distinction of having a pole position at Brazil in 2010 with Williams.

- Sergio Perez's recent struggles and Fernando Alonso's declining position in the championship standings are storylines to follow.

- Rumors of Aston Martin's potential sale and driver swaps are circulating, adding intrigue to the off-track drama.

- Predictions for the race favor Lewis Hamilton, given his momentum and the historical pattern of Hungarian Grand Prix pole sitters winning in Brazil.

- Aston Martin's struggles are expected to continue, leaving Fernando Alonso fans disappointed.

- The Inside Line F1 podcast will return for a race review on Monday and provide updates on upcoming events in Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.

[00:00.000 -> 00:07.280] Before we begin, I wanted to give a huge shout out to the folks at Amazon Music for partnering
[00:07.280 -> 00:10.800] with us on this episode of the InsideLine F1 podcast.
[00:10.800 -> 00:12.500] But more on this later.
[00:12.500 -> 00:39.400] Right then, let's get right into today's episode. You wanted more Formula 1, you've got more Formula 1.
[00:39.400 -> 00:43.600] Ladies and gentlemen, we are back here again for the last race of the triple header this
[00:43.600 -> 00:44.600] time out.
[00:44.600 -> 00:46.800] It's time, not for the Brazilian GP.
[00:46.800 -> 00:48.720] Yes, it is the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
[00:48.720 -> 00:49.880] A fun little start out here.
[00:49.880 -> 00:53.040] I think the last four races of the season, we've got Mexico City,
[00:53.040 -> 00:56.480] we've got Sao Paulo, we've got Abu Dhabi and also Las Vegas.
[00:56.480 -> 00:59.080] Four cities that have Grand Prix's named after them.
[00:59.280 -> 01:00.920] Not really the name of the country.
[01:00.920 -> 01:02.120] Interesting little quirk that.
[01:02.120 -> 01:06.240] But that's just one part of what's in store this weekend.
[01:06.240 -> 01:09.400] On this particular episode of the Inside Line F1 podcast,
[01:09.400 -> 01:11.360] we're going to be talking about the main stories
[01:11.360 -> 01:12.880] and the main talking points.
[01:12.880 -> 01:15.480] No, we're not going to discuss why we love or hate the sprint.
[01:15.480 -> 01:16.940] I think we are far away from that.
[01:16.940 -> 01:19.240] We've had far too many of them to discuss that.
[01:19.240 -> 01:22.200] But we're going to be talking about the quirks of this weekend.
[01:22.200 -> 01:24.160] Because for free practice one, it
[01:24.160 -> 01:29.720] seems that there is rain forecast. And that, folks folks is the only real practice session of the weekend.
[01:29.720 -> 01:33.760] More on Red Bull Racing, more on Mercedes and McLaren and their sprint dominance and
[01:33.760 -> 01:39.160] also other interesting stories across the grid. That's what's in store for the Brazil...
[01:39.160 -> 01:44.800] Sorry, the São Paulo GP preview on the Inside Line F1 podcast. But folks, let's introduce
[01:44.800 -> 01:46.200] everyone on the show.
[01:46.200 -> 01:47.480] My name is Somal Adora.
[01:47.480 -> 01:51.120] I'm the host and the voice of MotoGP's Indian Grand Prix.
[01:51.120 -> 01:52.400] I'm also the host and commentator
[01:52.400 -> 01:55.280] for the upcoming Indian Racing League on Star Sports.
[01:55.280 -> 01:56.760] Joining me at the Indian Racing League
[01:56.760 -> 01:58.640] will also be F1 stats guru,
[01:58.640 -> 02:01.180] who is now, apart from being just one of the members
[02:01.180 -> 02:02.880] of the WTF1 content pool,
[02:02.880 -> 02:04.360] and also one who stats are out
[02:04.360 -> 02:07.920] on every single Sky broadcast, is also going to be supplying stats to the
[02:07.920 -> 02:12.000] Indian Racing League. So we're part of the same team once again and as always
[02:12.000 -> 02:16.360] I've got Kunal Shah here with me as well, former marketing head of the Sahara Force
[02:16.360 -> 02:20.440] India Formula One team and an FIA accredited Formula One journalist for
[02:20.440 -> 02:24.400] the Viaplay network. So first things first, when are you coming to the Indian
[02:24.400 -> 02:29.240] Racing League Kunal? It's a two out of three now. Well I would love to drive in
[02:29.240 -> 02:32.880] the Indian Racing League if there are any cockpit positions open. I think I'm
[02:32.880 -> 02:36.400] pretty fit enough, maybe a little underweight so the ballast positioning
[02:36.400 -> 02:42.140] will also help. But it's so great, you know, we are the inside line with what
[02:42.140 -> 02:46.440] the three of us and Mithila have been putting together over the years
[02:46.440 -> 02:50.840] is delivering quality podcasts, social media stuff,
[02:50.840 -> 02:55.160] especially with what Sundaram is doing with his social media
[02:55.160 -> 02:57.320] handle, F1StatsGuru.
[02:57.320 -> 02:59.120] We are doing events, race screenings
[02:59.120 -> 03:01.160] as a big plan for Abu Dhabi, which
[03:01.160 -> 03:03.320] we will reveal soon enough.
[03:03.320 -> 03:08.320] And then, of course, we are hosting MotoGP with you, Samuel.
[03:08.320 -> 03:11.440] We're doing the Indian Racing League with the two of y'all.
[03:11.440 -> 03:15.760] I think it's so exciting to be on this journey with you both
[03:15.760 -> 03:19.720] and then carry forward Indian motorsport fans
[03:19.720 -> 03:22.040] into a way of how, you know,
[03:22.040 -> 03:23.360] I think what people like about us
[03:23.360 -> 03:25.000] is the way we present our content
[03:25.000 -> 03:29.500] and the way the lens with which we see our motorsport, especially Formula One.
[03:30.500 -> 03:36.700] It'll be so much fun, right, to also do more and more of that and Abu Dhabi will be sharing our plans with you very soon.
[03:36.700 -> 03:38.900] It's going to be massive in Mumbai.
[03:39.100 -> 03:45.840] But let's start off with Brazil guys, because this weekend, I'm super excited to see what we have in store in
[03:45.840 -> 03:50.240] terms of the things on track but the first thing that really clicks up to me Sundaram is the
[03:50.240 -> 03:55.520] sprint race music. I know we've had four sprints in the past before this one but it seems like
[03:55.520 -> 04:00.960] nobody notices it. It's got a very street fighter vibe and the way it builds up is kind of fun in a
[04:00.960 -> 04:10.000] way. I mean you imagine the shot Tata right skies, you're looking at the sky and the circuits just illuminated in the dark. Then you've got that music in the background.
[04:10.560 -> 04:14.880] That is just one of the exciting parts of this weekend. There could also be more with Mercedes
[04:14.880 -> 04:19.680] been in the fight. Now that you mentioned about the intro music for the sprint, I never really
[04:19.680 -> 04:29.000] noticed it until you mentioned it today. So good. So, so is that something that's been there only for this year's sprint or has it been a case for all the seasons so far?
[04:29.000 -> 04:46.000] I think only this year, but they've really nailed the choice and fun little quirk, it's the F1 2020 games closing credits music. It just picked off really need to pay some attention to that.
[04:46.000 -> 04:47.600] But does it really live up to the hype?
[04:48.000 -> 04:51.600] Do you see those sort of street fight battles during the sprint as well?
[04:52.200 -> 04:55.900] Hopefully we do because Mercedes this time Sundaram, I mean,
[04:56.100 -> 04:59.000] last couple of years, sprint winners and race winners over here.
[04:59.400 -> 05:02.900] If anything, that is the kind of hype that we all are building up to, right?
[05:03.100 -> 05:05.240] We had Lewis Hamilton win here in 21,
[05:05.240 -> 05:06.520] Russell win here in 22.
[05:06.920 -> 05:10.760] And the fun part is the conditions are exactly the same as last year.
[05:11.200 -> 05:13.160] Sprint weekend, one free practice session.
[05:13.440 -> 05:14.800] I mean, realistically Sundaram,
[05:14.800 -> 05:17.880] if there's any weekend where it could go wrong for Red Bull,
[05:18.280 -> 05:19.200] it is this one, isn't it?
[05:19.880 -> 05:21.440] Oh, absolutely. Absolutely.
[05:21.680 -> 05:26.040] I think this is the right time to kind of plug in my favorite stat from this weekend.
[05:26.040 -> 05:30.480] It's that since 2017, every Hungarian Grand Prix
[05:30.480 -> 05:34.440] pole sitter has won that year's Brazilian Grand Prix.
[05:34.440 -> 05:39.120] So 2017 Vettel, 2018 Hamilton, 2019 Max Verstappen,
[05:39.120 -> 05:42.520] 2021 Lewis Hamilton, 2022 George Russell
[05:42.520 -> 05:46.080] took pole in Hungary, and he won in Brazil. Do the both
[05:46.080 -> 05:48.640] of you remember who took pole this year in Hungary?
[05:48.640 -> 05:54.440] My goodness. Was it Lewis Hamilton?
[05:54.440 -> 06:01.320] It was. It was Lewis Hamilton. So it kind of coincides perfectly, firstly on the pattern,
[06:01.320 -> 06:09.380] but secondly, also to be very serious, fact the sort of their pace that Mercedes have shown in recent races they finished second in USA but
[06:09.380 -> 06:13.940] they got disqualified but Lewis and Mercedes in specific ever since they
[06:13.940 -> 06:17.780] kind of brought that upgrade over the recent over the last few races they've
[06:17.780 -> 06:22.140] really looked to be able to challenge Red Bull now I'm not saying that they
[06:22.140 -> 06:25.160] will be able to do it on race pace,
[06:25.160 -> 06:30.600] but it seems one of the more likelier venues where a Mercedes win could be possible.
[06:30.600 -> 06:35.520] But on that subject Kunal, it's never really two Mercedes drivers challenging right, as
[06:35.520 -> 06:39.560] I mentioned in the last episode as well and we did some digging up, it's always just one
[06:39.560 -> 06:44.180] of them. I think Singapore was the only time we had both the Mercedes legitimately fighting
[06:44.180 -> 06:46.300] for a win. I wonder who it's going to be.
[06:46.300 -> 06:48.300] But it's not just Mercedes in the fight, is it?
[06:48.300 -> 06:50.300] McLaren have quite the sprint record.
[06:50.300 -> 06:53.300] Samuel, I'm going to read out your big stat.
[06:53.300 -> 06:57.800] There's been a different, I think five out of the last six races, there are different drivers in P2,
[06:57.800 -> 07:02.600] which is what shows McLaren after Mexico City, what happened,
[07:02.600 -> 07:05.060] Landon Auris making all the mistakes, they will want to
[07:05.060 -> 07:10.800] fight back irrespective of what the format of the race is going to be.
[07:10.800 -> 07:15.400] And for all you sprint lovers, this is actually the last sprint race of the season, which
[07:15.400 -> 07:21.220] also means that for those who don't love the sprint, you've got to wait at least six months
[07:21.220 -> 07:28.360] before the sprint actually comes back. So plus and minuses of the format.
[07:28.360 -> 07:32.520] But also, I think this is the 1,099th Formula One
[07:32.520 -> 07:36.600] Grand Prix in history, which I think is pretty incredible.
[07:36.600 -> 07:39.120] A lot of history, because even, for example, Brazil,
[07:39.120 -> 07:42.480] it's 50th race in Brazil, 40th race,
[07:42.480 -> 07:44.200] being held at Interlagos.
[07:44.200 -> 07:47.440] One buzzword we'll hear through the weekend is
[07:47.440 -> 07:52.400] Interlagos means between the lakes in Portuguese, which is something that keeps happening. Maybe
[07:52.400 -> 07:57.600] that could be one of the drinking games for the weekend. But all in all, I think if there's any
[07:58.320 -> 08:05.040] circuit which deserves a sprint, it is Brazil, because statistically very high chance to overtake out here and
[08:05.920 -> 08:09.200] In general just such a beautiful circuit in itself guys
[08:09.400 -> 08:09.900] Yeah
[08:09.900 -> 08:12.920] over the rolling hills with the buildings in the background it is
[08:13.320 -> 08:18.620] phenomenal and just that section from the last corner to turn one the curve straight and the amount of
[08:19.040 -> 08:24.600] Passes we see there the amount of slipstreaming we get it is phenomenal to watch but on that subject as well
[08:24.600 -> 08:25.280] I think
[08:25.280 -> 08:29.400] Sundaram, track limits are legitimately going to be a discussion this time out, not for
[08:29.400 -> 08:34.720] the conventional way. Because remember, 2021, we had Verstappen and Hamilton with that big,
[08:34.720 -> 08:38.560] big fight and Verstappen pushing Hamilton off a turn number four, then coming across
[08:38.560 -> 08:43.320] on the circuit and then everyone debating who's right in this case. Are you allowed
[08:43.320 -> 08:47.480] to push someone out? Same story in Silverstone 2023 as well,
[08:47.480 -> 08:49.760] between Lance Shul and Pierre Gasly.
[08:49.760 -> 08:51.520] I get a feeling this is one of the circuits
[08:51.520 -> 08:52.960] where all the passing opportunities
[08:52.960 -> 08:54.720] largely come around the outside
[08:54.720 -> 08:57.280] because of the camber of turn one and turn four.
[08:57.280 -> 09:00.200] And that same discussion is gonna be brought up again.
[09:00.200 -> 09:02.160] When is someone legitimately allowed
[09:02.160 -> 09:03.600] to push someone off the track?
[09:03.600 -> 09:05.400] That's gonna be a major, major fight for the FIA.
[09:05.600 -> 09:08.280] And I can't wait to see if they're consistent with it this time out.
[09:08.840 -> 09:10.800] Oh, that's been a constant topic of debate.
[09:10.800 -> 09:13.200] And I think the stewards are going to be kept slightly busy,
[09:13.440 -> 09:15.720] if not as busy as how they were in Austria.
[09:15.720 -> 09:19.640] But we've also seen Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon coming together.
[09:19.880 -> 09:20.800] Was that last year?
[09:20.800 -> 09:21.200] Yeah.
[09:21.200 -> 09:25.560] Around Bern 4, the very same place where Verstappen supposedly
[09:25.560 -> 09:29.700] pushed Hamilton. So that's what there, there are these sort of sections on this track where
[09:29.700 -> 09:33.840] you seem that you would be pushed across and surely the stewards would have to do a lot
[09:33.840 -> 09:39.900] of reviewing in that sense. And for me, it still is a little grey, this whole rule on
[09:39.900 -> 09:44.500] when do you push someone out or when is someone ahead who really can take the corner? Because
[09:44.500 -> 09:49.560] there's been a lot of discussion about what happened at turn one in Mexico. Was it Sergio
[09:49.560 -> 09:55.320] Perez's corner and similarly was it Max Verstappen's corner at Silverstone. So I don't think so
[09:55.320 -> 10:00.360] these are like for like cases. But once again, I think we'll be served up some very, very
[10:00.360 -> 10:02.200] interesting scenarios this weekend as well.
[10:02.200 -> 10:08.800] And in those scenarios, who do you put your money on Kunal? Because I think Sundaram, wait Sundaram, you discovered a really fun stat about McLaren
[10:08.800 -> 10:10.600] and their sprint prowess, didn't you?
[10:10.600 -> 10:13.800] About how good they've actually been since their new upgrades have come about.
[10:15.200 -> 10:16.400] Oh, actually, yes.
[10:16.400 -> 10:21.000] McLaren have scored the third most points this season in sprint events.
[10:21.000 -> 10:25.280] And overall, they are the team after the big three to take the most points in sprint
[10:25.280 -> 10:30.480] events. But the interesting fact is McLaren did not score in a sprint in the first two sprints
[10:30.480 -> 10:35.200] in fact they did not score a single point in the first two sprints and what they've managed to do
[10:35.200 -> 10:40.640] the next three sprints they've actually scored more points than Mercedes this year in sprints and
[10:40.640 -> 10:46.120] so it does kind of you know work well for them they've had one P1, one P2, one P3.
[10:46.480 -> 10:48.440] So they do well in sprints in general.
[10:48.720 -> 10:50.840] So Piastri and Norris Kunal, who's your money on?
[10:52.800 -> 10:54.160] I think it's going to be Lando Norris.
[10:54.160 -> 10:56.760] He's made a couple of mistakes in the last few rounds.
[10:56.760 -> 11:01.680] I think it was Qatar in qualifying, track limits, Mexico City, again,
[11:01.760 -> 11:03.520] going out in Q1, making a mistake.
[11:03.520 -> 11:07.360] He knows that he needs to be up there, the cars with him.
[11:07.360 -> 11:12.240] He knows he's got to be up there pretty much every session.
[11:12.240 -> 11:14.760] And it's great that he's able to accept his mistakes,
[11:14.760 -> 11:17.200] but now it's about also not making the mistakes.
[11:17.200 -> 11:20.080] But having said that, Oscar Piazza has gone very well
[11:20.080 -> 11:22.320] in the sprints as well this round.
[11:22.320 -> 11:25.160] And I love how quickly he's able to learn circuits
[11:25.160 -> 11:29.080] and sort of master them and be as close to Lando Norris
[11:29.080 -> 11:29.920] in no time.
[11:29.920 -> 11:33.440] And my mind also goes back to the circuit again,
[11:33.440 -> 11:38.080] because altitude was of discussion in Mexico.
[11:38.080 -> 11:41.600] I think Interlagos is also 800 meters above sea level.
[11:43.120 -> 11:48.320] I love the turn 12 exit all the way, almost a 1.2 kilometer long straight
[11:48.320 -> 11:54.160] with elevations, undulations leading into the turn one breaking corners, then suddenly dropping down
[11:54.160 -> 12:00.400] to turn four, another 40 odd meters that goes and two beautiful sequence of corners. You've got the
[12:00.400 -> 12:07.680] S's out there. I think in general, this is one of the most beautiful circuits to go racing
[12:07.680 -> 12:11.920] at and Formula One does go ahead. And I think I can't remember and maybe this is a question for
[12:11.920 -> 12:18.960] you guys and everybody, which circuit also has an uphill grid? Because if you see the grid,
[12:18.960 -> 12:24.240] you literally see, I think Suzuka has a downhill grid if I remember correctly, but this is an
[12:24.240 -> 12:29.160] uphill grid where you gently have to be on the brake so you don't roll backwards, but you're also going
[12:29.160 -> 12:33.060] to be reacting quick enough when the lights are on that you just go forward.
[12:33.060 -> 12:36.320] So interesting thing this weekend, you know, fast and flowy.
[12:36.320 -> 12:40.380] I think sectors one and three, I can see both of y'all are guessing, but I'm just going
[12:40.380 -> 12:45.640] to fast and flowy sectors one and three needs low drag setup.
[12:46.160 -> 12:46.960] Middle sector.
[12:46.960 -> 12:51.280] I love how you just keep turning all the time, one corner leading to another.
[12:51.460 -> 12:55.000] So balance, aero efficiency is always going to be key again.
[12:55.520 -> 13:00.040] And, you know, circuits like these, I'm always like, what can Williams do now?
[13:00.040 -> 13:03.520] Because Albin has now scored in seven races this season, which is
[13:03.520 -> 13:06.240] incredible for him and for Williams.
[13:06.240 -> 13:11.280] Wait a minute, I know one driver who's not going to let him score a lot, Lewis Hamilton. They've
[13:11.280 -> 13:17.760] got history here, not once, I think twice, no, I think once here and once in Austria. So I have got
[13:17.760 -> 13:21.920] one piece of advice for Alex Albon this weekend, if you have a great qualifying and you find
[13:21.920 -> 13:25.600] yourself fighting against the Mercedes, please make a move on the inside
[13:25.600 -> 13:29.480] You've gone to the outside far too many times and I've seen it not go well, please
[13:29.480 -> 13:33.580] Please please use the wise wise move make the wise choice go to the inside line
[13:33.580 -> 13:38.280] I beg you you need to score some points because remember was it 2019?
[13:38.280 -> 13:44.680] I think in 2019 he got chucked over by Lewis Hamilton and Herbert Marco basically said that was the one win that
[13:44.960 -> 13:48.400] got chucked over by Lewis Hamilton and Herbert Marko basically said that was the one win that essentially cost Alex Albon his Red Bull seed because had he won,
[13:48.400 -> 13:52.240] conference would have been different and then so on and so forth. Yeah, crazy, isn't it Sundaram?
[13:52.960 -> 13:58.160] One of two potential Albon wins, if you remember, what was it, Austria 2020,
[13:58.160 -> 14:02.400] another race where he was chucked out by Lewis Hamilton going into turn four.
[14:03.920 -> 14:06.660] But I really have to come back to the circuit point
[14:06.660 -> 14:09.800] because like Kunal mentioned, it's a fast flowing section.
[14:09.800 -> 14:13.040] Sectors one and three are full throttle
[14:13.040 -> 14:14.160] and it's only the middle sector
[14:14.160 -> 14:17.540] that has a little bit of dependence on downforce.
[14:17.540 -> 14:20.440] But it's a classic circuit, it's an old school circuit
[14:20.440 -> 14:23.580] and it's also visible in the sort of results that you see
[14:23.580 -> 14:28.880] because in the hybrid alone, the one circuit that has seen the most overtakes is
[14:28.880 -> 14:33.560] Interlagos of all circuits Monaco sits at the other end of the spectrum
[14:33.560 -> 14:38.000] Interlagos takes the higher end and that's also one of the reasons why
[14:38.000 -> 14:43.480] Interlagos is the only venue which has hosted a sprint ever since it's been
[14:43.480 -> 14:45.760] introduced in every year. It's the
[14:45.760 -> 14:50.860] only venue. So 2020, 20, sorry, 21, 22 and 23. And it's the only reason because you see
[14:50.860 -> 14:55.140] a lot of battles during the race during the sprints. And that's why it's one of my more
[14:55.140 -> 14:58.580] enjoyable races or enjoyable events in the whole season.
[14:58.580 -> 15:03.300] And just just to add, I mean, what you said, even though overtaking is so statistically
[15:03.300 -> 15:05.840] high, I think I can just remember
[15:05.840 -> 15:12.240] two races which were won from drivers who started outside of the front row. 2021 Lewis Hamilton
[15:13.120 -> 15:18.400] starting 10th. He had that mega recovery weekend, especially to keep his championship hopes high
[15:18.400 -> 15:25.920] and they went equal on points into Abu Dhabi, if you guys remember remember and then 2007 was Kimi Raikkonen
[15:25.920 -> 15:30.520] who started third and won the race won the title but for a race which is
[15:30.520 -> 15:35.600] statistically so much better with overtaking still sees only the front row
[15:35.600 -> 15:41.480] starting drivers claim win and hence I'm also looking forward to qualifying we're
[15:41.480 -> 15:50.640] gonna have two qualifying sessions the opportunity to sort of see. I think qualifying has been extremely entertaining pretty much every race weekend,
[15:50.640 -> 15:54.480] you know, whether it's extremely close or Max is so dominant that he just pulls, you know,
[15:54.480 -> 16:00.080] six, seven tenths on P2. So that's going to be exciting to see for me this weekend. And,
[16:01.040 -> 16:07.440] you know, again, there's just so much history that Brazil Interlagos represent in Formula 1.
[16:07.440 -> 16:11.200] And we're going to see more history that could be added this weekend.
[16:11.200 -> 16:19.280] If Red Bull win, it'll be the 19th win of the season, something they'll match with Mercedes from a couple of years ago, I believe again.
[16:19.280 -> 16:22.120] So another one for the stats, I guess.
[16:22.120 -> 16:30.040] But three different pole sitters in the last three years it was Mark Newsom, Botas, Virsh Stappen, three different winners in
[16:30.040 -> 16:34.000] the last three years as well Russell, Hamilton and Virsh Stappen. So Kevin
[16:34.000 -> 16:39.020] Mark Newsom had of course the sprint pole but inherited pole for the race
[16:39.020 -> 16:43.760] weekend this was when that statistical anomaly used to exist. Exactly thank
[16:43.760 -> 16:45.680] goodness it doesn't anymore.
[16:45.680 -> 16:51.680] But yeah, one more point to watch for this weekend, rain in FP1. Chaotic? Yes, I think it's
[16:51.680 -> 16:56.320] going to be because it's the only practice session. Slip ups could happen because teams will not know
[16:56.320 -> 17:01.440] what setup to take and once they're in it, they're boxed in. And that could be another point of
[17:01.440 -> 17:06.880] contention. But I see you have another point to add on that, Sanjana because there are more things that make this weekend so interesting.
[17:06.880 -> 17:11.480] Now you mentioned rain and obviously my mind goes back to last year and the sort
[17:11.480 -> 17:14.880] of incredible qualifying that we had last year and I think in general the
[17:14.880 -> 17:19.480] rain really mixes things well and you see a lot of drivers emerging I think
[17:19.480 -> 17:26.040] the true emergence of Max Verstappen happened at this very track in 2016. A brilliant show
[17:26.040 -> 17:33.120] of you know, brilliance in general of that talent when he I think he finished P2 in that
[17:33.120 -> 17:37.800] race just behind Lewis Hamilton. But the one question I really want to ask and really want
[17:37.800 -> 17:46.520] to test you both is, there's only one team this year, where both of its drivers have taken pole position at Brazil. Which team
[17:46.520 -> 17:51.040] is that? Mercedes, right? No, no, no, no, no, no, no,
[17:51.040 -> 17:58.040] no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
[17:58.040 -> 18:03.040] no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no,
[18:03.040 -> 18:05.080] no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, So not many of you know that Nico Hulkenberg does have a pole position in Formula One,
[18:05.080 -> 18:06.300] if not a podium.
[18:06.300 -> 18:09.720] And that came at this very circuit in 2010 with the Williams team.
[18:09.720 -> 18:11.500] But there are two schools of thought.
[18:11.500 -> 18:15.780] Many people consider the person who starts the race from P1 is the person who has pole
[18:15.780 -> 18:16.780] position.
[18:16.780 -> 18:21.620] So if you're one of those people, like me, then you would say Mercedes has both the drivers
[18:21.620 -> 18:23.140] taking pole position here.
[18:23.140 -> 18:25.360] But if you talk statistically, if you talk officially,
[18:25.360 -> 18:28.080] then it's yes, it is Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg.
[18:28.080 -> 18:31.920] Not bad.
[18:31.920 -> 18:36.320] Wow. I have Checo Perez on my radar.
[18:36.320 -> 18:39.840] What can he do? Two qualifying sessions, but just one free practice.
[18:39.840 -> 18:43.200] And can you imagine, he's had two DNFs in the last four races,
[18:43.200 -> 18:51.080] but had Hamilton not been disqualified in Austin, they would have gone equal on points into Brazil.
[18:51.080 -> 18:57.000] That's how poor his season has been and that's how classic Lewis Hamilton's season has been.
[18:57.000 -> 18:59.920] So what can Jaco Perez do?
[18:59.920 -> 19:02.640] That's another key point for me, I would say.
[19:02.640 -> 19:05.360] Also, I think Fernando Alonso is going to be to
[19:05.360 -> 19:10.640] watch out for triple header, but he's been the only driver to not finish the first two
[19:10.640 -> 19:15.880] races in the triple header. He's also now, I think Carlos Sainz has overtaken him and
[19:15.880 -> 19:22.040] Lando Norris is just 14 points away. So, you know, from a driver fighting for second and
[19:22.040 -> 19:25.840] third in the drivers' championship is suddenly tumbling down the
[19:25.840 -> 19:31.000] order as well. And lots of rumors around Aston Martin, which we will see being addressed.
[19:31.000 -> 19:37.280] Is it on sale? Will Fernando Alonso and Checo Perez swap? I know Alberto Fabrega and Will
[19:37.280 -> 19:42.840] Buxton raised some of these rumors. Will there be any merit in it? Red Bull Spain joined
[19:42.840 -> 19:48.560] it in the fun. So great stuff for social media. Usually I used to think that a fortnight's break was too much for Formula
[19:48.560 -> 19:52.080] One but it seems that between Mexico and Brazil even a five-day break seems too
[19:52.080 -> 19:56.000] much for Formula One to handle. Hence this rumor and guys if you really want
[19:56.000 -> 20:00.800] some online traction on social media type the words F1 PADDOC rumor and leave
[20:00.800 -> 20:08.560] it and you will see the algorithms blow it out of proportion. So hard to tell how much of it is real, how much of it is absolute BS, but we'll get to
[20:08.560 -> 20:13.460] see more of that confirmed as the weekend goes on. But last thing for today, predictions
[20:13.460 -> 20:19.240] very quickly. I, again, you know me well enough, Carlos Saenz is always going to be half of
[20:19.240 -> 20:25.960] my prediction because my heart is always there. But I get a feeling for Formula 1.5, I'm going for a Lewis Hamilton win
[20:25.960 -> 20:29.480] because I can't deny F1 stats guru's stat.
[20:29.480 -> 20:30.320] What about you guys?
[20:30.320 -> 20:31.800] F1.5 predictions.
[20:31.800 -> 20:32.960] I would say.
[20:32.960 -> 20:33.800] I think I-
[20:33.800 -> 20:34.620] Go on, go on, go on.
[20:34.620 -> 20:35.680] Sundaram first.
[20:35.680 -> 20:36.680] The stats.
[20:36.680 -> 20:39.880] I think I heavily rely on my patterns
[20:39.880 -> 20:42.640] and no matter even if Max Verstappen breaks them,
[20:42.640 -> 20:43.960] every single time,
[20:43.960 -> 20:46.800] you know, I'm gunning for a Lewis Hamilton race win.
[20:46.800 -> 20:49.800] I would say Lewis Hamilton as well.
[20:49.800 -> 20:54.800] I think he's just got some momentum going in him, some positivity, et cetera.
[20:54.800 -> 20:55.960] Rain in the mix.
[20:55.960 -> 20:59.680] I think it rains one in three days in Brazil, which is great.
[20:59.680 -> 21:03.120] The currency of Brazil is real or real, as they would probably say.
[21:03.120 -> 21:06.160] So it's going to be a real weekend for Lewis Hamilton
[21:06.160 -> 21:14.360] I think and Max Verstappen, of course for winning Formula One. I think what's what's gonna be is one pretty much everything
[21:15.360 -> 21:22.520] Since Brazil last year barring three races, I believe for something 114 out of the last 15 races or
[21:23.200 -> 21:26.800] 30 out of the last 40 or some really really
[21:26.800 -> 21:33.000] crazy numbers and my favorite he has won 10 of Charles Leclerc's pole positions
[21:33.000 -> 21:37.120] will it be in 11th this weekend that's what I'm gonna look out for all these
[21:37.120 -> 21:43.420] you really had to rub it in at the very end you really have to do that he
[21:43.420 -> 21:47.040] steered clear from talking about Ferrari and their drivers and you really had to mention
[21:47.040 -> 21:48.040] that.
[21:48.040 -> 21:49.040] Okay.
[21:49.040 -> 21:52.760] Well, that's just why people should be tuning and staying tuned in till the very end before
[21:52.760 -> 21:55.000] Sommel now delivers his parting note.
[21:55.000 -> 21:56.000] It's not a parting note.
[21:56.000 -> 21:58.960] What I'm going to say at the very end is there are so many points for us to look forward
[21:58.960 -> 22:00.800] to, but not for Aston Martin.
[22:00.800 -> 22:04.080] If you're an Aston Martin fan, sorry, this episode doesn't exist.
[22:04.080 -> 22:07.760] Five things to watch for. What do you mean five things to watch for? There's nothing to watch for.
[22:07.760 -> 22:13.520] So as a Fernando Alonso fan, I will see you straight away in Australia? No, let's go Bahrain
[22:13.520 -> 22:18.560] now. Okay, but we'll see you folks for the race review on Monday for the Brazilian GP and we'll
[22:18.560 -> 22:23.280] be back with a lot more information about our events because for Las Vegas and for Abu Dhabi
[22:23.280 -> 22:28.720] in Mumbai, we're planning some really exciting stuff so subscribe to the InsideLine F1 podcast
[22:28.720 -> 22:32.320] on all of your social media handles and we'll be back for more very soon.
[22:32.320 -> 22:59.360] Take care. Thank you so much for tuning in to this episode of the Inside Line F1 podcast.
[22:59.360 -> 23:04.760] Before we end it, I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Amazon Music once again for partnering
[23:04.760 -> 23:06.840] with us on this episode of the podcast.
[23:04.950 -> 23:11.950] I just wanted to say a huge thank you to Amazon Music once again for partnering with us on this episode of the podcast.