São Polo Grand Prix – Top/Flop of the editorial staff

↗ TOP N°1 – Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen stand out

Very clearly, throughout this season both drivers have been able to raise their level of driving.

They evolve on their planet, and engage in a merciless battle. Since the accident at the Italian Grand Prix, their clashes are more correct, still as virile, but with more respect.

This weekend is that of the seven-time reigning world champion. Mercedes chose to change the British driver’s engine, which allowed him to be extremely aggressive against his opponents. In fact, no one was able to offer him any defense.

Only Max Verstappen resisted the attacks of number 44 for a long time, but had to give in at the end of the race. The battle was intense. And even if it turned out in favor of Lewis Hamilton, the Dutchman nevertheless did not lack merit.

↗ TOP No. 2 – The Interlagos track

Once again, it is on a historic track that we find a superb show.

Regularly the scene of beautiful swordplay, even acting as a mediator for the obtaining of the world title, the Interlagos circuit once again allowed us to experience thrills.

Many struggles took place there throughout the 71 laps.

Certainly, it is good to visit the temple of Ayrton Senna.

↗ TOP N°3 – Let Them Race

A controversy could have arisen from several incidents on the track. And notably from Verstappen’s famous very tough defense against Hamilton.

To protect his leading position, the number 33 pulled off a last-minute brake and forced his rival to the outside of the track. Both had to cross this famous limit.

Was it too harsh? Should he have been punished?

Finally, they got back on track and continued to fight like rag pickers. And that’s exactly what is expected of them. The race director’s decision was full of common sense. Finally, the drivers can act without any ulterior motive.

There are other things to say about this moment in the race, but we will come back to it in the flop…

FLOP N°1 – Unrestricted track limits for drivers

To complete our discussion on the famous “Let Them Race”, it should be recalled that run-off areas are increasingly often only pieces of asphalt.

And this is where the limit becomes blurred for the pilots. Because even if the rumble strip is clearly visible, as well as the outer line of the turn. Nothing prevents a driver from attempting a last-chance braking.

With gravel trays, the situation is completely different.

They were gradually removed for security reasons.

However, with all the technology invested by Formula 1, an intermediate solution must be considered so that there is no more ambiguity with these famous boundaries.

To get back to the São Polo Grand Prix, Verstappen’s defense would have been very different.

FLOP N°2 – McLaren losing speed

Ferrari has managed to turn things around by staying involved in the development of their 2021 car. On the other hand, McLaren seems lost at the end of the championship. It is clear that the orange car is no longer being improved.

However, they are still fighting for third place in the constructors’ championship. But no longer seem to care. The team from Woking has thrown in the towel and struggles to maintain a good level of competitiveness.

FLOP N°3 – Yuki Tsunoda still as messy

Author of the first race neutralization, Yuki Tsunoda seems nervous or kamikaze. But there is no intermediary. The safety car had to intervene to clear its carbon debris and wing placed in the Senna S escape route.

The Japanese driver is no stranger to making mistakes this year. He may be a rookie, but the comparison with Pierre Gasly is scathing. He must bounce back in the last three races.