Brazilian Grand Prix predictions
Here’s a look at the 2023 Brazilian Grand Prix preview, schedule, live stream details and our predictions for the race at the Interlagos circuit
The Brazilian Grand Prix made its debut in 1972 at the Interlagos circuit, although it was not initially a part of the Formula One World Championship. In 1990, the Grand Prix returned to a modified Interlagos circuit, where it has been held ever since.
The Interlagos track has hosted some of the most thrilling and unforgettable races in recent Formula 1 history, earning a reputation as one of the most demanding and exhilarating circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. The inaugural race at the updated Interlagos track in 1990 saw Alain Prost emerge as the winner, marking his 40th career victory, a record at that time, and his sixth Brazilian Grand Prix win. The 2023 edition is scheduled to take place this weekend from November 3-5.
In November 2020, an agreement was reached to extend Formula One’s presence at Interlagos until 2025, with the event being rebranded as the São Paulo Grand Prix for the first time. However, the race contract was temporarily put on hold in January 2021. Around the same time, in January 2021, with official confirmation following in February 2021, the newly elected Mayor of Rio de Janeiro, Eduardo Paes, announced that plans for constructing a new circuit at Deodoro were abandoned, with a commitment to search for a more suitable location for the circuit’s construction.
The Autódromo José Carlos Pace, commonly referred to as Interlagos, is a 4.309 km motorsport track situated in São Paulo, Brazil. It was officially opened on May 12, 1940, by Adhemar de Barros, the federal intervener of the São Paulo province at the time. The name “Interlagos” is derived from the fact that the circuit is located in an area nestled between two large man-made lakes, Guarapiranga and Billings. These lakes were constructed in the early 20th century to provide the city with water and electricity. In 1985, the circuit was renamed in honor of Formula 1 driver José Carlos Pace, who tragically lost his life in a plane crash in 1977.
Interlagos is distinctive in that it’s constructed on undulating terrain rather than flat ground, creating a challenging track with elevation changes. This layout places increased demands on the cars’ engines and makes driving more demanding. The counterclockwise direction of the circuit, with numerous hard left turns, exerts centrifugal forces that strain the drivers’ necks to the right, which is unusual compared to most Formula 1 circuits where the forces push their necks to the left.
The Interlagos circuit boasts one of the longest pit lanes ever seen in Formula One, commencing just before the start-finish straight and reconnecting with the main track after the Curva do Sol. Initially, entering the pits was quite challenging due to the high speeds and left-turning nature of the track, which could push the cars to the right, potentially causing them to miss the pit entrance. To enhance safety, modifications were made to the pit lane entrance ahead of the 2007 Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix. Further improvements were implemented for the 2014 Formula One Brazilian Grand Prix, which included the addition of a chicane.
Practice 1: Friday, November 03 – 20:00 IST
Qualifying: Friday, November 03 – 23:30 IST
Sprint Shootout: Saturday, November 04 –19:30 IST
Sprint: Sunday, November 05 – 00:00 IST
Race: Sunday, November 05 – 22:30 IST
In the United States, Formula 1 fans can immerse themselves in the excitement of the sport through the ESPN network. In the UK, Sky Sports offers comprehensive coverage of the entire Formula 1 season, including practice sessions and race outcomes. On the other hand, viewers in India have access to F1 Pro TV, where they can enjoy live broadcasts of the qualifying session and the main race, along with the convenience of streaming all practice sessions and qualifying events.
Considering Max Verstappen’s remarkable recent performances, it’s quite evident that he will enter this race as the clear frontrunner. Nevertheless, he is sure to encounter stiff competition from rivals like Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz, local hero Lewis Hamilton, and Sergio Perez. Our weekend predictions suggest that Verstappen is likely to claim the first position (P1), with Hamilton coming in second place (P2), and Sainz expected to secure the third spot on the podium (P3).
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