Brazilian Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen celebrates in parc ferme in the course of the F1 Grand Prix of Brazil at Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace on November 05, 2023 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| Photo Credit: Getty Images
Three-time champion Max Verstappen led from the beginning and gained the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Sergio Perez of Red Bull completed in fourth place, distancing himself from Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton in one of many few competitions left this season — a place for runner-up.
Perez practically took the rostrum place from third-place Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin, however the Spaniard noticed the checkered flag 0.053 seconds earlier than the Mexican.
The two raced for the place in the three ultimate laps of the race, with the Red Bull driver overtaking Alonso as soon as after which shedding the place.
“For me, it was like 30 laps,” Alonso mentioned after being chased by Perez. “I had the pressure from Checo but when he passed me two laps to the end, I thought. Okay, this is gone, the podium is not possible.’ Then he braked a bit late into turn 1.” McLaren’s Lando Norris was second at Interlagos.
Perez will depart South America 32 factors forward of Hamilton with two races left — Las Vegas on Nov. 19 and Abu Dhabi every week later. His teammate and champion Verstappen mentioned later at a press convention it isn’t as much as him to assist his fellow Red Bull driver safe the runner-up place, although.
“It shouldn’t always be on me to get the points,” the Dutchman mentioned.
Perez began the race at Interlagos in the ninth place and fan-favorite Hamilton in fifth after a irritating qualifying for the Red Bull driver on Friday. He confirmed some enchancment in the course of the dash race on Saturday, and mentioned later he was extra assured for the grand prix.
“I was happy with the weekend,” Perez told broadcasters. “I just know I could have had more if I didn’t get unlucky on Friday (at the qualifying session).” Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who was going to begin second, crashed in the course of the formation lap earlier than the beginning attributable to an engine problem.
“Disappointed to say the least. Lost the power steering and the engine power on the formation lap. It hurts,” Leclerc mentioned in his social media channels after the race.
A pink flag after the second lap due to a crash involving Kevin Magnussen of Haas and Williams’ Alex Albon gave Red Bull drivers extra time in in search of enhancements.
Verstappen earned his record-breaking seventeenth win and by no means misplaced the lead, whereas Perez had an aggressive drive to face Hamilton. In the 18th lap, the Red Bull driver overtook the Mercedes for fifth place, a lot to the frustration of Brazilian followers who assist the seven-time champion.
Formula One will race in Sao Paulo a minimum of till 2030, organizers introduced Friday.
“The whole race was about the management of the tires,” Verstappen mentioned after the race. “Las Vegas will be new for everyone, full of surprises, I am sure.”
“It is going to be very different from here. Low temperatures, street circuit, we don’t know the track’s grip,” he added. AP BS BS
