2022 GP Brazil
Russell wins first Grand Prix with Hamilton taking second earning Mercedes a 1-2 finish in Brazil!
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Brazilian Grand Prix. Located in the city of São Paolo, the Autódromo José Carlos Pace (formerly known as Interlagos) is widely known as a track ideal for racing.
Kicking the week off was the unveiling of an 11.5 ft sculpture honouring Ayrton Senna, two-time Brazilian Grand Prix winner and São Paolo native. Created by his niece, Lallali Senna, the statue is made entirely out of aluminum with the intention for visitors to see their own reflection in the late driver’s image. Titled “Our Senna”, the figure now overlooks the final corner of the track.
The weekend also included the third and final sprint race providing teams an additional opportunity to improve their positions.
Starting in P3 for the sprint, Russell put up a strong pace, swiftly moving to P2 while inching closer to Verstappen on each lap. Eventually his persistence paid off as he overtook the World Champion on Lap 15 securing P1 to begin from pole position Sunday. Continuing his success, Russell made quick work to hold the lead. He proved to remain consistent while under pressure, crossing the finish line with a 1.5 second advantage for his maiden win.
Finishing in P3 during the sprint, Hamilton was elevated to the front row for Sunday’s race after Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, took his sixth ICE replacement of the season and a five-place grid penalty.
Following Russell, Hamilton remained in P2 until a safety car restart opened the door for Verstappen to edge ahead. While going into Turn 1 both drivers battled alongside each other, colliding just before Turn 2 and sustaining damage. With Hamilton’s impairment minimal, he managed to quickly rebound, making up four places by Lap 15 and eventually reclaiming P2. Finalizing a 1-2 podium for Mercedes.
Beginning the race from P7 on mediums, Carlos Sainz pitted for softs hoping to have a better chance to fight at the front. As time progressed, it was clear tire management was critical with the team pitting back to mediums. This strategy along with Sainz’s tire maintenance secured P3, the final spot at the podium.
After contact with Norris on Lap 7, Leclerc found himself against the barriers and at the back of the grid. However, with a considerable amount of pace he was able to recover while pitting three times. Requesting for a team swap for P3, Leclerc was declined as the team felt the decision was “too risky” settling for P4.
Receiving a five-second penalty for his collision with teammate, Ocon during the sprint, Alonso began from P17. Although similar to Leclerc, he managed to make the most out of his Sunday, finishing with a fantastic comeback and P5.
It was an unusually difficult weekend for Verstappen, who at first struggled on Saturday with understeer, to start the race from P3. After his early collision with Hamilton, he found himself slide down the grid while being handed a five second penalty for his involvement in the incident. Shortly after making his way to P6, team orders was given for Verstappen to swap positions with his teammate, Perez. Ignoring the request, Verstappen finished in P6 eliminating the chance for Perez to gain a two point advantage in the drivers standings which he is now tied with Leclerc for 2nd in.
Upon pitting on Lap 48 for mediums, Perez appeared to lack pace to compete for a podium as he struggled to keep up eventually finishing P7.
Ending in P8 was Esteban Ocon. With both Alpine drivers finishing within the points, they look to firmly establish their position for 4th in the constructors title now holding a 14 point lead over Mclaren.
Following Ocon, was Valtteri Bottas who ended the day with P9. His second race in a row in the top ten.
Finishing from where he started in P10, Stroll was able to take the final point after Saturday’s dangerous defensive move on teammate Vettel. Which as a result, cost the Canadian a 10-second penalty along with two penalty points against his license.
After a brilliant start and a tight battle for P5, Vettel encountered a series of undercuts from several midfielders while struggling to seek pace on medium tires. Unfortunately, the Aston Martin driver was unable to elevate his position finishing with P11.
Zhou Guanyu finished just ahead of Mick Schumacher with P12.
Beginning the sprint in P20, Schumacher was impressive advancing 7 positions to P13. However, he was unable to crack the top ten on Sunday maintaining P13 as a finish.
After speeding in the pit lane, Gasly was handed a five-second penalty finishing in P14 and promoting both Schumacher and Zhou.
It was back to back Williams drivers who followed with Albon, the only driver to start the race on hards taking P15 along with Latifi finishing with P16.
Alpha Tauri’s Yuki Tsunoda took P17 and was the final driver to complete the race.
Disappointment for Mclaren with both drivers retiring. For Ricciardo, he will face a three-grid penalty next weekend due to a collision with Magnussen that sent both drivers spinning to DNF’s.
For Lando Norris, he received a five-second penalty after his impact with Leclerc. Further frustration came from a loss of power in the car putting an end to his race.
Earning his first pole position of his career, Magnussen was looking to score valuable points this weekend for Haas. However, hopes were cut short as he was forced to retire after his impact with Ricciardo.
Next week is the season finale which takes place Abu Dhabi!
By Samantha Horvath
