Viasport — Brazil GP Takeaways

viasport formel 1 aston martin brazil grand prix — *Image: Motorsport Images*

The São Paulo Grand Prix left fans with much to discuss as the 2023 Formula 1 season nears its end. It was a weekend of stark contrasts as Fernando Alonso displayed a masterclass in driving, while Mercedes faced setbacks, and Ferrari suffered a significant blow in their campaign.

Alonso's Defensive Masterclass

Fernando Alonso's performance at Interlagos was nothing short of spectacular. His battle with Sergio Perez was the highlight of the race, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. This duel wasn't just about the driving, but also the stories behind the drivers. Alonso was determined to dispel rumors about Aston Martin's struggles and his future with the team, while Perez was fighting to secure his place at Red Bull and his standing in the Drivers' Championship. This high-stakes clash saw Alonso execute one of the finest defensive drives, especially in the last two laps, proving why he is considered one of the greats in the sport.

Mercedes' Miscalculation

For Mercedes, the Brazilian Grand Prix was a weekend to forget. Having started the season with struggles, they seemed to have found their form in the latter half of the season. However, Brazil was a regression, with car setup issues leading to tire degradation and overall poor performance from both drivers, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell. Particularly for Russell, this weekend was a step back from his victory last year, as he pushed his car beyond its limits, leading to a premature end of his race.

Ferrari's Missed Opportunity

Ferrari's weekend was emblematic of their season; potential unfulfilled due to reliability issues. Charles Leclerc's hydraulics failure not only cost him a possible second-place finish in the race but also dealt a blow to Ferrari's aspirations in the Constructors' Championship. The team's inability to capitalize on Mercedes' mistakes has been a recurring theme, leading to frustration among fans and, undoubtedly, the team itself.

viasport formula 1 ferrari interlagos — *Image: Getty Images*

McLaren and Lando Norris: The Rising Force

Despite Alonso's heroics, it was Lando Norris who was initially voted Driver of the Day. His performance throughout the weekend showcased his potential and reinforced the belief that with a slightly better car, he could challenge the dominance of Max Verstappen. Norris' ascent to being one of the top drivers on the grid suggests that McLaren could be a force to reckon with next season, provided they can enhance their race pace.

Lance Stroll's Quiet Success

Amidst the various narratives, Lance Stroll's solid drive went somewhat unnoticed. His performance was smooth and controlled, earning him a commendable fifth place. It served as a reminder of his capability as a driver, often overshadowed by the 'pay driver' label. It's performances like these that justify his place in Formula 1 beyond any financial backing.

Aston Martin's Mixed Fortunes

Aston Martin experienced both highs and lows over the weekend. The team showed flashes of brilliance, with Alonso's and Stroll's results painting a promising picture. However, the decision to revert to the start-of-year car specification raised questions about the team's direction and understanding of their car. With the winter break approaching, it's crucial for Aston Martin to gain clarity on their car's development path to avoid repercussions in the 2024 season.

viasport f1 alpha tauri brazil grand prix — *Image: Motorsport Images*

Alpine's Unexpected Recovery

Alpine salvaged what seemed to be a dismal weekend. The team overcame mediocre qualifying performances and a lackluster sprint to finish with both cars in the points. The reliability, often a thorn in their side, held up, allowing them to capitalize on the misfortunes of others.

Battle for AlphaTauri Supremacy

The internal tussle at AlphaTauri also grabbed attention, with Yuki Tsunoda outperforming his more experienced teammate, Daniel Ricciardo. Tsunoda's double points finish and qualifying edge could set the stage for an intriguing inter-team rivalry in the final races of the season.

The São Paulo Grand Prix has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the F1 season. With driver rivalries intensifying and teams scrambling to solve their puzzles, the final races are poised to be as unpredictable as the Brazilian weekend.

Brazil GP Takeaways