Max Verstappen suggested that he would not change his aggressive driving this weekend at the Brazilian Grand Prix as he bids for a fourth successive Formula 1 title.
New elements could spice up a clash between drivers, who have received penalties in the past two races in Austin, Texas, and Mexico for their boldness on the track: Interlagos has a new tarmac and rain was forecast all weekend.
Friday’s free practice was not a good omen for Verstappen; he finished 15th, more than one second behind Lando Norris, who clocked the best lap in his McLaren.
Photo: AF
Norris needs a win in Sao Paulo to maintain any realistic title hopes.
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who also has a shot at the title, was sixth.
The sprint race qualifier in the afternoon was better for Verstappen; he was fourth, but almost 1 second behind leader and Norris teammate Oscar Piastri. Norris was second.
to: EPA-EFE
Yesterday was to feature the penultimate sprint race of the season and a tribute to three-time world champion Ayrton Senna, who died in 1994 after crashing during the San Marino Grand Prix.
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton is to drive a McLaren once steered by Senna in front of 60,000 fans.
Norris closed the gap on Verstappen to 47 points in Mexico after a furious encounter that caused penalties to the Dutchman amounting to 20 seconds. The British driver was penalized in the previous race at the US Grand Prix as he battled the defending champion.
Leclerc, 70 points behind Verstappen, told media on Thursday he was not expecting a leading performance by his team this weekend.
The Monegasque driver also had to face the stewards in Brazil for swearing at a news conference after the Mexican Grand Prix last weekend. He was fined 10,000 euros (US$10,880), of which half is suspended as long as there is no further breach of a similar nature within the next 12 months.
“During the hearing Leclerc expressed his regret for his momentary lack of judgement and shared that he understood his responsibility as a role model for the sport,” the stewards’ decision said.
Verstappen was punished with one day of community service for the same reason during the Singapore Grand Prix.
Verstappen said in Mexico that F1 has become over-policed.
Upon his arrival in Brazil, he said he did not care about critics of his aggressive driving.
Although he and Norris claim to have a respectful relationship, another showdown is expected between the two in today’s race. The McLarens are expected to have the upper hand.
Verstappen has won twice at the 84-year-old Interlagos circuit, including last year, when Norris finished second.
Verstappen’s last victory was 10 races ago in Spain in June, after seven wins in the first 10 races.
“We want to do well, but of course it also needs to be possible. We still have a good lead,” Verstappen said. “I just try to enjoy the moment, try to just always optimize the performance.”
He is to start with a five-place penalty on the grid after he and Red Bull opted for a new engine.
The earliest the title could be won by Verstappen is in Las Vegas on Nov. 24. For Norris to have a chance, he likely has to take the title fight to next month’s finale in Abu Dhabi.
Another challenge for drivers at Interlagos is the new asphalt.
Piastri was not excited about it on the first day of practice.
“I think everybody was thrown off a bit by just how bumpy the track was,” he said.
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