Will the 2024 São Paulo GP be the turning point in the heated title battle between friends and rivals Max Verstappen and Lando Norris? The race in Brazil promises to be incredibly exciting this Sunday (14:30 UTC): Norris starts from pole, Verstappen, after a drama in the qualification, only from the back of the field. The Brit could take a significant bite out of the Dutchman’s lead in the World Championship, but Verstappen is of exceptional class. It could well be a day that the Formula 1 world will not soon forget.
What will the World Championship standings look like in a few hours? That is the question hanging over the Autódromo José Carlos Pace. The fewer races remain and the smaller the lead becomes, the more the tension increases between Verstappen and Norris. This has been the case for weeks, and in Brazil, a new chapter awaits in the battle for the championship. It’s not Verstappen’s fault that he has to keep giving up points to Norris, the Dutchman gets – whether hindered by penalties or not – the maximum out of his RB20, which has been too slow and unpredictable for months.
Possible Misfortune?
In the beautiful sprint race on Saturday, Verstappen had to give up three points to Norris, making the difference before the GP only 44 points. The rainy weekend, with postponed qualification, will also have an impact on the race. But whether it’s wet or dry, the race will be special regardless. Verstappen’s grid penalty (new combustion engine) was already factored in for the race in Brazil, but the drama in Q2 was not. Pure misfortune? Or blameworthy, because the team put him (and teammate Pérez) in a position where a late red flag could prove disastrous?”The questions of blame can be addressed later: the focus for Max Verstappen and Red Bull had to be intensely on the race that was taking place just a few hours after the qualification. How to limit the damage, starting from the back of the field? Not from P17 anymore, but P15. This is due to the withdrawal of Alexander Albon, who crashed heavily in Q3 and will not start, and the fact that Carlos Sainz will start the race from the pit lane.
Reaching Boiling Point
Would the situation reach boiling point in Brazil? “I think so,” driver Jeroen Bleekemolen expressed in his preview in Formula 1 Paddock Talk, echoing the sentiments of many. And that feeling could very well become reality. At half past four Dutch time, it will be an old-fashioned, edge-of-your-seat race, perhaps with a turnaround in the battle between Verstappen and Norris.
There are plenty of high stakes to discuss regarding race pace, tire strategy, and more. But apart from that, the race in São Paulo will be a special battle, another thrilling episode in an increasingly exciting title fight. Get ready for a thrilling GP in São Paulo, one that will have you on the edge of your seat.
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