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The Formula 1 season presses on with the Sao Paulo Grand Prix this weekend, serving as an early battleground for next year’s championship. While the drivers’ title is already decided, Mercedes aims to secure the constructors’ championship while rival teams continue their late-season developments.
The Hamilton-Leclerc Problem at Ferrari
Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur held discussions with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc on Thursday following their first-lap collision in Mexico, which cost the team a potential one-two finish. Vasseur stated that the meeting went well and that positions were clarified, emphasizing that team rules require drivers to respect each other, the brand, and the team’s overall success.
Hamilton has been outspoken about the incident, highlighting a contrast between how Leclerc races him compared to other drivers like Max Verstappen. Hamilton stated that he wears his heart on his sleeve and will not be silenced, noting that the team must ensure such mistakes are avoided in the future as they target a championship challenge next year.
Red Bull’s Momentum and McLaren’s Upgrades
At Red Bull, Max Verstappen enters the weekend following his victory in Mexico, which marked his third win in the last four races and moved him to second in the drivers’ standings. Verstappen expressed surprise at the turnaround after the team’s early-season struggles, praising the team’s perseverance.
Meanwhile, McLaren is hoping fresh upgrades this weekend will help close the gap after slipping back from their summer peak. Driver Lando Norris acknowledged that while the car has inherent limitations like drivability issues and drag, small performance gains could push them back into podium contention.
Upcoming Calendar and Middle East Uncertainty
Following Brazil, the season concludes with races in Las Vegas, Qatar, and Abu Dhabi, though questions persist regarding the final two rounds in the Gulf due to ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Formula 1 continues consulting security experts and governments for assurances while monitoring the situation ahead of the looming decision deadlines.
