F1 Brazilian Grand Prix: Key Winners and Losers Revealed
The Brazilian Grand Prix delivered an unexpected mix of high-stakes drama, contrasting performances, and strategic maneuvers at the Interlagos circuit. Here’s a rundown of the key winners and losers from this thrilling race.
Loser: Ferrari
Ferrari entered the race second in the constructors’ standings but finished fourth after a challenging weekend. Both Charles Leclerc and his team faced incidents that hampered their performance. Leclerc was caught in a collision between Antonelli and Oscar Piastri, leading to an early retirement. Lewis Hamilton, while trying to navigate tricky starts, also faced issues that impacted his race.
Winner: Lando Norris
Lando Norris significantly benefited from the Brazilian Grand Prix. Starting with a slim one-point lead, he transformed it into a 24-point advantage, putting him in a favorable position for the upcoming races. Norris acknowledged that Max Verstappen could have contended for victory had he started higher, but his performance was noteworthy.
Winner: Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen secured third place despite starting from the pit lane. Adjustments made to his Red Bull car improved his chances to charge through the field. Despite a puncture early on that almost derailed his race, Verstappen showcased his skill and resilience, echoing his previous year’s remarkable comeback.
Loser: Yuki Tsunoda
Yuki Tsunoda finished in 17th place, enduring a tough race that included penalties and minimal support from his team. He faced setbacks that hindered his potential performance. Despite this, he showed flashes of competitive pace, which left fans hoping for better outcomes in future races.
Winners: Racing Bulls
Racing Bulls celebrated a successful return, with both Liam Lawson and Isack Hadjar finishing in the points after a challenging few races. Lawson executed a one-stop strategy brilliantly, gaining critical points for the team. Their performance highlighted their capacity to rebound and compete effectively.
Loser: Gabriel Bortoleto
Rookie Gabriel Bortoleto faced a disappointing home race, retiring after a lap due to a collision with Lance Stroll. His earlier challenges in the sprint race prevented him from showing his true potential, while teammate Nico Hulkenberg managed to score points, further impacting team dynamics.
Winner: Ollie Bearman
Ollie Bearman achieved significant strides, finishing sixth in Brazil after previously securing Haas’ best result in Mexico. His improvement showcased his growing competence in a high-pressure environment, as he continues to build momentum toward the season’s end.
Loser: Aston Martin
Aston Martin’s performance fell short during the Grand Prix, finishing in 14th and 16th positions. Fernando Alonso’s strategy of starting on hard tires proved ineffective, while his teammate faced challenges as well. The disparity between their sprint and race results raised questions about the team’s approach.
Winner: Kimi Antonelli
Kimi Antonelli had a standout weekend, finishing second overall. Despite adversity, including contact with Leclerc, he managed to deliver a commendable performance under pressure. His achievement helped Mercedes regain a competitive edge over Ferrari in the constructors’ standings.
Loser: Williams
Both Williams drivers finished outside the points despite having opportunities to capitalize on their competitors’ shortcomings. Team Principal James Vowles acknowledged errors in strategy that led to missing crucial points, highlighting their need to regroup for future races.
Loser: Oscar Piastri
Oscar Piastri’s weekend did not meet expectations, as he finished fifth after serving a penalty for his involvement in a collision. Despite his skills, the outcome reflected a missed opportunity compared to Norris’s stellar performance, further complicating his championship aspirations.
