How Max drove ‘like Senna and Schumacher’ in ‘hall of fame’ victory + Alpine’s double podium delight – 2024 Sao Paulo GP Review
Nov 4, 2024
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In a thrilling Sao Paulo Grand Prix, Max Verstappen surged from 17th to claim an unforgettable victory, drawing comparisons to racing legends. The discussion delves into why Lando Norris couldn't maintain his pole position. Alpine drivers Ocon and Gasly celebrate their sensational double podium, marking a remarkable turnaround for the team. The hosts reflect on standout performances from George Russell and Yuki Tsunoda, while Lewis Hamilton's emotional drive in Senna’s McLaren adds a historical touch to the weekend's drama.
Max Verstappen's remarkable comeback from P17 to win in the rain has drawn parallels with Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher's legendary drives.
Alpine's double podium by Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly marks a pivotal moment for the team, enhancing morale amid a challenging season.
Lando Norris's strategic tire choice during the chaotic race illustrates the critical decisions that can impact a driver's championship prospects.
Deep dives
Max Verstappen's Masterclass on a Wet Track
Max Verstappen delivered an extraordinary performance at the Sao Paulo Grand Prix, winning from 17th on the grid, a feat that has drawn comparisons to legendary drives by Ayrton Senna and Michael Schumacher. His skillful driving in challenging wet conditions showcased a blend of aggression and strategy, allowing him to navigate through the field effectively. After facing a tough qualifying session, Verstappen proved his determination during the race, stating that his emotional journey shifted from frustration to elation upon crossing the finish line first. This victory not only solidifies his lead in the championship standings, but also serves as a powerful statement regarding his racecraft and resilience.
Unlikely Podium Finish for Alpine
Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly secured a remarkable double podium for Alpine, marking their first top finishes of the season amidst a turbulent year. The team's strategic decisions and ability to capitalize on the chaotic racing conditions played a crucial role in their success, as they managed to stay out of trouble when many competitors faltered. Ocon reflected on the historical significance of the day, reminiscing about their early racing days together, which added a poignant touch to their achievement. This strong performance not only helps Alpine ascend the Constructors' Championship standings, but also boosts the morale of a team navigating significant changes and challenges.
Lando Norris Struggles Despite Strong Qualifying
Lando Norris, having showcased impressive speed in qualifying, faced difficulties during the race that left him finishing in sixth place instead of competing for the top positions. His decision to pit for fresh tires came under scrutiny, particularly as the conditions worsened, ultimately leading to a race trajectory that did not favor him. The tactical choice to switch tires at a critical moment created a situation where he struggled to regain the pace necessary to contend with Verstappen and the Alpine drivers. Despite the setback, he still remains competitive in the championship race, with considerable points still up for grabs in the upcoming races.
Challenges Faced by Mercedes and Ferrari
Mercedes experienced a tumultuous race, with George Russell managing a commendable fourth place finish while Lewis Hamilton struggled for pace, underscoring ongoing issues with the car's performance. The team's contrasting fortunes highlighted their search for understanding within their setup, as Hamilton expressed frustration over the car's handling. Meanwhile, Ferrari's performance fell short of expectations, failing to contend at the front despite earlier successes in the season. The wet conditions exposed their weaknesses, leaving them far from the podium and prompting a need for reevaluation as they look forward to future races.
Mixed Fortunes for Rookies in Challenging Conditions
The race presented a tough learning opportunity for rookie drivers such as Franco Colapinto and Oli Behrman, who faced the unique challenges posed by Sao Paulo’s wet conditions. Colapinto's involvement in an early race incident served as a harsh reminder of the difficulties newcomers encounter in Formula One, particularly in adverse weather. Behrman also struggled to maintain control in the slippery conditions but showed moments of promise. These experiences highlight the steep learning curve for rookie drivers as they adapt to the high-pressure environment of Formula One racing.
Tom Clarkson is joined by F1TV commentator Alex Jacques and Brazilian former F1 driver Ricardo Rosset to dissect a chaotic Sao Paulo Grand Prix, as Max Verstappen produced a masterclass in the rain to climb from P17 and claim his first win in 11 races.
Was this the greatest of Verstappen’s 62 race wins? How did he make his way through the grid in such treacherous conditions? Why was title rival Lando Norris unable to convert pole position into victory? And what does this mean for the Drivers’ World Championship, with just three races and one F1 Sprint left in 2024?
Alpine teammates Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly explain why their sensational double podium is so special to them and how they as drivers made the difference in wet weather, while Team Principal Oliver Oakes joins the pod to discuss what this result means for Alpine after one of their most challenging seasons in F1.
Plus, Tom, Alex and Ricardo reflect on strong performances from George Russell, Yuki Tsunoda and Liam Lawson, and really difficult weekends for Lewis Hamilton and Williams.
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