Preview of the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in Brazil, Sunday,
Part 2 of the Formula 1 tripleheader – and the starting position ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix is more exciting than ever.
21 points separate Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton with four races remaining: Both Hamilton and Verstappen still have every chance of winning the title.
Nevertheless, the advantages are clearly on the side of the Dutchman, so that I assume a clear victory for Verstappen in my Formula 1 prediction for the Sao Paulo Grand Prix.
It could be a similar drama as in 2008, when Felipe Massa, who thought he was the world champion, had the title snatched away from him by a certain Lewis Hamilton at the last second.
It is precisely this title that the Mercedes driver could lose to his rival Max Verstappen 13 years later. The Dutchman extended his World Championship lead with victory in Mexico and has already benefited from the advantages of his car in Brazil at similar altitudes.
Sao Paulo is at an altitude of 800 metres, which is more ideal for the Honda engine in the Red Bull, as there is more power available.
This was also evident in the practice sessions and qualifying for the sprint. There, Red Bull set strong lap times on the asphalt. However, as in Mexico, one fast lap was enough for Mercedes to start from pole in the sprint qualifying.
However, that had lapsed again after another penalty for a rear end that was set too wide. The penalty meant Hamilton started the sprint from the back of the field. However, the Briton showed all his class and cleared the field from the back.
Thanks to an incredible overtaking manoeuvre against Lando Norris, he was able to finish in 5th place. Due to the grid penalty, Hamilton will now start the race from 10th place.
For Max Verstappen, on the other hand, everything is currently going according to plan. This year in particular, he has shown the talent and cool-headedness that is needed to become world champion.
For example, in Mexico, when the Dutchman took advantage of Bottas’ faux pas at the start, braked later and immediately took the lead, which he drove to a commanding finish in the end.
Moreover, with the RB16B he has a faster car than Mercedes, on whose strengths he can rely – especially in higher temperatures, also in Brazil.
However, Verstappen had to admit defeat in sprint qualifying to Valtteri Bottas, who took the second pole in a row after Mexico.
Thanks to the two points gained in the sprint, Verstappen is now 21 points ahead of Hamilton before the fourth-last race. With Brazil’s track layout not ideal for overtaking, Hamilton will have a tough time battling Verstappen for victory.
The bookies also have Verstappen as favourite with odds of around 1.75. Rival Lewis Hamilton, on the other hand, is already getting more attractive odds of around 3.25 from the betting providers with a German licence.
The fight for third place between Ferrari and McLaren is at least as exciting as the world championship battle.
The Scuderia has shown a strong performance recently and Ferrari also has the advantage in Brazil. The many tight corners are less suited to Norris and Ricciardo’s car.
This was also evident in the sprint, in which McLaren will start the race from positions 6 and 11. Carlos Sainz, on the other hand, drove to third place with a strong pace, Leclerc will start from P7. Bwin is offering attractive odds of around 2.30 for both Ferrari drivers in the Top 6.
Summary: The advantages ahead of the Brazilian Grand Prix are clearly with Red Bull and Max Verstappen.
Although Valtteri Bottas can still stop Verstappen, I think it’s a matter of time before Verstappen takes the lead.
On top of that, Red Bull have the better car and Lewis Hamilton will have to work his way through the field after the grid penalty from 10th place to even be in contention for the win.
Overall, I see Red Bull as clear favourites due to the altitude conditions and their very convincing form in the last few races. In addition, the temperatures suit the car and, coupled with Verstappen’s talent, the fastest race lap is also possible here.
My betting tip is therefore quite clear: victory and fastest race lap Verstappen. Attractive odds of around 3.75 are available for this bet at Bet365.
